As we reflect on the first quarter of 2025, it’s clear that the pace of our work can at times be relentless. Many of us are feeling stretched—mentally, emotionally, and physically. While it’s a privilege to contribute to work that drives impact and systemic change, it’s important to acknowledge that intensity without pause can come at a cost.

Over the past few months, a recurring theme has surfaced across teams: a culture of urgency. Not the kind that energises progress or spurs innovation—but a quieter, more chronic urgency that often feels like there’s no time to step back, breathe, or even think. It shows up in late evenings, in back-to-back meetings with no real break, and in the silent normalisation of burnout.

At the EDP, we care deeply about the work we do and we also care very deeply about the people doing the work.

As an HR professional, I often talk about the importance of wellbeing, but in reality, it’s one of the first things we sacrifice when demands escalate. This is a pattern we need to interrupt—individually and collectively—if we want to build an organisation that is sustainable in every sense of the word.

Choices, choices, choices. Each of us must intentionally commit to small actions that will accumulate into big changes. Credit: N Voitkevich

But how do we interrupt the frantic rush of getting things done? A recent article by Life Assist highlighted the value of regular medical checkups—not only for treatment but for prevention and peace of mind. Planning our check-ups, rest, and breaks serves as a timely reminder: just as we’re intentional about strategy, impact, and delivery, we need to be intentional about taking care of our health. Annual screenings, mental health check-ins, and dental appointments are not luxuries—they’re essential building blocks of resilience.

Wellness isn’t just about the absence of illness. Wellness means equipping ourselves to thrive despite pressure, complexity, and change. We should start with normalising small but meaningful practices that support our wellbeing. For example:

• Prioritise preventive health care. Don’t wait until something feels wrong to seek help. Schedule in annual, quarterly or monthly health checks. Explore the free support offered by the EDP through Life Assist and work with nutritionists, bio-kineticists, financial advisors and others.

• Take breaks without guilt. A step away from your screen is a step toward restoration. Intentionally schedule meetings with a 15-minute buffer so you can step outside, take deep breaths, and stretch your legs. Organise a walk with a colleague or sit on the grass. Thank you Anna and Orisha for being champions in this regard.

• Use your leave fully and intentionally. Has your accountability buddy reminded you to take leave yet? Have you listened to them yet? Annual and sick leave are there to allow for regular periods of rest. Based on the kind of break that helps you feel restored, plan time off work throughout the year and schedule important engagements around that. And ensure that when you have committed to resting, you guard that time as closely as you would an important work engagement.

• Ask for support when you need it. It can be really difficult to articulate that you need help. Personally or professionally, everyone needs support at one point or another. Listen to trusted voices and accept offers of assistance when offered as a smart way to grow and get better results. If we believe that collaboration is how great work gets done, we need to embody that in the way we work at the EDP.

• Respect boundaries. Everyone has different needs for rest and restoration, just as everyone has different rhythms of working. The flexibility of the EDP’s hybrid policy requires us to negotiate time with one another for the policy to have the desired effect on our work environment. If you need to meet with a colleague, ask for time in their diary instead of asking to meet immediately. This signals respect for their time and how they may have already planned to use it. Respect your and others’ boundaries by planning meetings and check-ins intentionally. These actions may seem small. But collective commitment to these actions is how we begin to shift our work culture. Instead of a culture that praises non-stop urgency, let’s build a culture together that values sustainability, care, perspective, and intentionality.

Importantly, support is available. As part of your wellness benefits, Life Assist offers free, confidential services to all EDP employees and their immediate family members. Whether you’re dealing with stress, navigating a life change, or simply need someone to talk to, they are available 24/7.

As we move through the next quarter, let’s commit to staying grounded and being intentional to cultivate a culture that honours both purpose and a sustainable pace. Ultimately, when we prioritise our own wellbeing, we’re better equipped to support our work, one another, and the transformational change we’re striving for.

This blog post is subject to the following disclaimer.