SINGAPORE: A young Singaporean employee has taken to social media to express her overwhelming stress just three months into a one-year contract, highlighting the alarming state of workplace pressure affecting many in the city-state.

In a candid Reddit post on the "Ask Singapore" forum, she revealed the heavy burden of managing the workload typically handled by two employees after her colleague's sudden departure. The intense situation has left her feeling perpetually drained, both mentally and physically.

Her Struggle with Work-Life Balance

“I lose hair and sleep over the problems I have to solve,” she lamented, explaining how anxiety has crept into her mornings, leaving her dreading the workday ahead. In an attempt to cope with the increased demands, she has resorted to cutting her lunch breaks short, sacrificing her well-being in the process.

Impact on Personal Life

Her weekends, which should be a time for relaxation, have become filled with catching up on countless emails. "I'm so tired, and it just feels like so much right now," she reflected. The only flicker of hope she clings to is the thought of her contract's end, but the uncertainty of sustaining this grueling pace looms heavily over her. "I really don’t know how to keep it up,” she confessed.

Community Support and Shared Experiences

Messages of support flooded in from fellow Reddit users sharing their own burnout experiences, providing a sense of community through shared struggles. One commenter advised, “Oh no, this was me two years ago in my last job! I regret not setting more boundaries.” Another user recalled leaving a job due to similar pressures and advised the young worker to look for a company that prioritizes work-life balance. “You don’t owe them anything,” they added, encouraging her to take bold steps toward her well-being.

Advice to Address Workload

Amid this exchange, users urged her to stop taking on additional responsibilities, warning that this would inevitably lead to burnout and a decline in her overall performance. “Stop doing the workload of more than one person. Companies are exploiting that,” one commenter stated, emphasizing the importance of recognizing one's limits.

Suggestions for Management Discussions

Several users also recommended having honest discussions with management regarding her overwhelming workload, suggesting that tasks could be fairly reassigned or redistributed. If such measures weren’t feasible, they advised her to negotiate a pay raise commensurate with her increased responsibilities. “If it’s me, I’d ask for an increase in pay so I can convince myself to do more, otherwise resign immediately,” one user pointed out. “Professional life should not drain your mental health with no significant incentive.”

A Wider Issue in Singapore's Workforce

This sentiment reflects a growing awareness of the mental health crisis plaguing Singapore's workforce. According to the latest *Wellness at Work* report by Employment Hero, a staggering 61% of Singaporean workers are facing burnout, showing only a minor decrease from 62% in 2022. This persistent issue underscores the ongoing challenges employees encounter in balancing workplace demands with mental well-being.

Call to Action for Change

As the conversation continues, it highlights a pressing need for companies to establish healthier work environments and support systems for employees, ensuring that they can thrive both in their professional and personal lives. The fight against workplace burnout has never been more crucial, prompting a call to action for both workers and employers alike.