Yesterday marked my first day back at work for 2026 and what an amazing start it was!
I provided a range of coping skills to Newey Transport, a large trucking company in Northland, at their Safe Start Breakfast event.
This is the earliest start to our year since WARN International began 11 years ago. And with bookings confirmed into April, the year ahead looks very promising.
Of course, none of us can predict how a year will unfold.
Yet, after speaking with many business leaders, one thing is clear: the last five years have been tough with the last two exceptionally challenging.
Burnout became common last year. Not necessarily because people were overwhelmed with work, because they were overwhelmed trying to find work.
A major cause of burnout is a lack of control. The American Psychological Association defines burnout as physical, emotional, or mental exhaustion accompanied by decreased motivation, lowered performance, and negative attitudes toward oneself and others.
It’s the result of prolonged stress and tension, often from extreme exertion or an overburdening workload. In short: exhaustion leads to cynicism and feelings of ineffectiveness.
But here’s the good news: we shouldn’t fear a busy year if the last few years were spent simply trying to stay afloat.
At WARN International, we promote a balance of being busy with purpose with setting boundaries, managing stress effectively, making work more enjoyable and aligning work with personal values.
2026 feels different, there's a positive vibe, almost as though we have all said - enough is enough!
I am reluctant to say that this is going to be a great year, how many of us have said that for the last few years?
Perhaps 2026 is a year of rebuilding, of reconnecting, and of finding our way forward.
Let’s make 2026 count.
What’s your outlook for 2026. Are you feeling optimistic, cautious, or somewhere in between?
Let’s talk!