DELEGATING DUTIES, OUR MENTAL HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY
Delegation is the act of empowering to act for another (Merriam-Webster, 2024).
Delegation of duties is essential for our mental health and productivity especially in the workplace because it can reduce stress, anxiety and fatigue, increase productivity and growth and increase collaboration with others, all of which can have positive effects on our mental health and overall productivity both for ourselves, our colleagues, our families and the society at large. A less stressed worker translates to less friction in the home and a better society for everyone.
Some people become scared that their relevance might be subtly taken away from them if they delegate duties to others.
Some others may feel uneasy to delegate duties due to the fact that their colleagues might outshine them or steal the stage from them.
Finding a balance between personal responsibilities and effective delegation is crucial for maintaining a healthy work environment and promoting well-being.
Failure to delegate duties or tasks can have many negative impacts on our mental health and productivity which in turn make the individual less productive in the home and a less functional member of society at large. An individual that fails to delegate duties or tasks may experience some of the following:
Increased stress and fatigue:
When people work too much and don’t delegate, they become overwhelmed, leading to increased stress levels, making them prone to burnout. This can have serious mental health effects including anxiety, depression and reduced health.
Decreased Performance:
Overworking can lead to decreased productivity as people struggle to prioritise tasks, manage time effectively, and focus on important responsibilities all at the same time. This can result in lower-quality work and missed deadlines.
Limited Skill Development:
Delegating duties or tasks provides opportunities for skill development and learning from others. Not delegating can limit these opportunities, leading to stagnation in skill growth and professional development.
Isolation and Lack of Collaboration:
Not delegating duties or tasks can contribute to a sense of isolation and hinder collaboration within teams or organisations. Collaboration often fosters creativity, problem-solving, and innovation, all of which are beneficial for mental health and productivity.
Inefficient Use of Resources:
Not leveraging the skills and expertise of others through delegation of duties and tasks can result in an inefficient use of resources, including time, energy, and talent. This inefficiency can lead to suboptimal outcomes and wasted potential.
-Okoro Kennedy Obinna, (Anipr) is a a writer, Former team coordinator of Crime busters Fc of Enugu, trainer on entrepreneur skills & Delegated legislation, Former project manager and founding team member of POCACOV, Board member of City Stars Football Club Aba.
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