The Power of a ‘Bare Minimum Monday’ To Alleviate Your Sunday Scaries

Jennifer Moss, author of The Burnout Epidemic: The Rise of Chronic Stress and How We Can Fix It, says. “It's important to put the caveat that it isn’t about trying to get out of work; it’s about making work better.”

This article discusses the concept of "Bare Minimum Monday" as a tool to alleviate workplace burnout and the "Sunday scaries," or the feeling of dread and anxiety that comes with returning to work after the weekend. ​ Coined on TikTok and popularized by Gen-Z workers, Bare Minimum Monday involves starting the week slowly and focusing on accomplishing only the essential tasks needed for the day. ​ The goal is to preserve energy, prioritize mental health, and prevent burnout. ​

Jennifer talks about the importance of this practice, and explains that Bare Minimum Monday is not about trying to get out of work, but rather about making work better. ​ It allows employees to decide for themselves how to utilize their time and strategically plan activities that support their mental health and well-being. ​

Moss also highlights the detrimental effects of workplace burnout, including physical and mental health issues and reduced productivity. She suggests that companies and managers have an opportunity to help prevent burnout by implementing the concept of Bare Minimum Monday and allowing employees to have control over their own time. ​

Jennifer believes it is essential to explore different strategies to address workplace burnout because current approaches are not effective. ​ She also criticizes the backlash against recent work trends that promote setting boundaries and disengaging from toxic productivity, arguing that these behaviors address real issues in the workplace. ​

Jennifer emphasizes the importance of this practice and suggests that companies and managers should support their employees in managing their workloads and preventing burnout. ​