If our daily work routine deprives us of sleep, weighs us down with anxiety, or leaves us exhausted, it means that something is wrong. The world of work is changing rapidly, but mentalities struggle to keep up with the pace. The new generations express it forcefully, and those looking for staff understand it well: we are no longer willing to sacrifice our lives for work. Voluntary resignations are on the rise, motivation is at an all-time low, and maintaining a personal balance is becoming increasingly essential. The time has come to rewrite the rules of the game, and this benefits everyone. In fact, working with satisfaction and without frustration leads to positive results, both for people and for companies.
The book “Basta lavoro così” (Bompiani, 2025, pp. 224, also e-book) is a clear and incisive guide that helps us find that delicate balance between private and professional life, a goal within everyone's reach. With clarity and lucidity, Silvia Zanella – an expert in supporting individuals and companies in their transformation journey – reveals the bad habits and toxic thoughts that undermine our well-being, our motivation and our effectiveness, also compromising professional relationships.
We asked Silvia Zanella what are the main things that don't work in the world of work today?
«(So-called) toxic work environments are a major cause of dissatisfaction among workers, characterized by aggressive behavior, discrimination and disrespect. In addition, overload of work, both mental and physical, often leads to stress and burnout. Many workers do not find meaning in their work, thus reducing motivation and productivity. The fusion between private and professional life has become too pervasive, causing difficulties in maintaining a healthy balance. Finally, inadequate management is another significant problem, with managers almost never adequately trained to motivate and support their teams. Added to these problems are unemployment, precariousness and undeclared work, or even just qualified job opportunities. All issues particularly felt in Sardinia, unfortunately».
How can we rebuild boundaries to the space and time occupied by work?
"To rebuild boundaries between work and private life, it is essential that everyone establishes their own personal balance point. Creating dedicated work spaces, separate from private life spaces, helps maintain a clear distinction. Companies should promote the right to disconnect, encouraging employees to completely switch off outside of working hours. Scheduling breaks and free time is essential to ensure that you have moments of relief during the working day and return to being more focused. Flexibility requires a lot of discipline. In the case of seasonal jobs and sectors such as tourism, the situation is even more complex to manage."
Is technology an asset or a tyranny in today's workplace?
"Technology can be both a resource and a tyranny in work today. On the one hand, it offers tools that increase productivity, facilitate communication and allow greater flexibility. On the other, it can lead to constant availability, increasing stress and reducing time for private life. The key is to use it in a balanced and conscious way, exploiting its advantages without allowing it to invade every aspect of our lives. It is a tool that can partially free us from work, but it risks becoming a yoke if not properly managed. Not to mention that technology, even in Sardinia itself, creates qualified job opportunities, helps overcome geographical limitations and improves good employment."
How should companies evolve?
"Companies must evolve by promoting a corporate culture based on trust and delegation, where employees feel valued and empowered. Offering flexibility, implementing smart working policies (where possible) and flexible hours, is essential to improve work-life balance and increase motivation. Companies should invest in continuous training, supporting the professional and personal development of their staff. Creating inclusive and respectful work environments, fighting discrimination and promoting diversity, is essential not only ethically, but also to promote innovation. In addition, they could collaborate even more incisively with universities and local institutions to develop training and professional requalification programs, in order to increase the skills of the workforce and attract investments."
How should our way of relating to and conceiving work change?
"We must learn to separate personal identity from work, recognizing that our value is not defined only by our professional role. It is important to find meaning in work, seeking where possible activities that resonate with our personal values and goals. Adopting a balanced approach, balancing work demands with personal ones, is the real challenge."