PEOPLE AND CULTURE

NEWS

The rise of ‘bare minimum Mondays’

7 Mar 2023

    • A new trend known as 'bare minimum Mondays' has attracted young workers in particular, who view it as key to their wellness. But could it have serious production implications for employers?

    Following previous trends known as 'Great Resignation' and 'quiet quitting', and the current trial of the four-day week, this latest trend encourages workers to do the bare minimum on Mondays to ease into the week.

    Thousands on TikTok swear by the tactic as it's said to lower stress levels, reduce pressure, and improve mood.

    Speaking to FEMAIL, author and LinkedIn specialist Sue Ellson said the concept is a wellbeing technique. She said:

    “It is not worth burning out and being incapable the following day. In my view, it is far better to work fewer hours at 80-90% effectiveness and allow your body to rest and recover."

    It is thought that TikToker Marisa Jo Mayes popularised the idea by sharing it with her 154,000 followers in a series of videos. Writing in an essay for Insider, she said:

    “I don't take meetings and take it slow for the first two hours. I'll do some reading, some journaling, maybe some stuff around the house.

    “One day last March, I gave myself permission to do the bare minimum, and it was like some magic spell came over me. I felt better. I wasn't overwhelmed, and I actually got more done than I expected.”

    Speaking on bare minimum Mondays, Andrew Moore, Senior HR Consultant at employment law and HR consultancy firm, WorkNest, told HR Grapevine that the threat to wellbeing is currently very real, and could lead to much worse issues than a loss of productivity. He said:

    “Mental and physical burnout caused by workplace stress and pressure is real. As a result of workplace demands, stress and pressure, employees can develop diagnosable mental health conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, general anxiety disorders, depression, etc.”

    “Taking the time to address the root cause of the stress will lead to greater stability, longer-term better business performance and the retention of skilled staff. It may also reduce the need to spend money on EAP or other costly but little-used services by reducing the need for them.”