Calm Work – How to Beat Year-End Burnout

GeneralDecember 12, 2025 16:23

Vietnamese professional taking a mindful break at work, with calm lighting and greenery symbolising balance and mental wellness.

Calm Work – How to Beat Year-End Burnout

This article is written in English for readers in Vietnam. Vietnamese and Japanese translations are available on our website. <Please change accordingly. E.g. Vietnamese for readers in Vietnam. English and Japanese translations are available on our website.>

As the year draws to a close, Vietnam’s professionals often find themselves racing against deadlines, juggling Tet preparations, and trying to stay productive amid fatigue. According to Reeracoen Vietnam’s 2025 Workforce Insights, over 57% of employees in Southeast Asia report burnout linked to heavy workloads and unclear boundaries. The solution isn’t working harder—it’s working calmer.

This guide explores how to restore energy and focus as you end the year on a strong, sustainable note.

1. Recognise the Signs of Burnout Early

Burnout is more than tiredness. Common signs include:

  • Chronic fatigue or sleeplessness even after rest

  • Irritability or withdrawal from colleagues

  • Declining focus and motivation

  • Physical tension, headaches, or anxiety

In Vietnam’s fast-paced offices—especially among tech, manufacturing, and bilingual professionals—burnout is often dismissed as “normal.” But ignoring it leads to mistakes, absenteeism, or even quiet quitting.

2. Reframe Productivity: Focus on Energy, Not Hours

Try the “Energy Audit” technique:

✅ List three activities that energise you and three that drain you.

✅ Rearrange your workday to tackle creative or client-heavy tasks during high-energy periods.

✅ Delegate or batch admin tasks when focus dips.

High performers manage energy, not just time.

3. Set Micro-Boundaries, Especially Before Tet

Year-end in Vietnam is peak pressure season. But small boundaries create big change:

  • Turn off notifications after 8pm.

  • Schedule one “no meeting” afternoon per week.

  • Politely decline extra projects that do not align with your KPIs.

Use your out-of-office message strategically around Tet to manage expectations early.

4. Restore Mental Health Through Mini-Reset Rituals

You don’t need a full vacation to recharge. Try

  • A 10-minute walk outside after lunch.

  • Journaling three things that went well each day.

  • Quiet tea or coffee breaks away from your screen.

  • Music or stretching between online calls.

Mindful breaks reduce cortisol and improve focus—science-backed ways to stay calm in chaos.

5. Reconnect with Purpose and People

  • Many Vietnamese professionals derive strength from collective purpose.

  • Join volunteer activities or CSR projects.

  • Celebrate small wins with your team.

  • Share year-end reflections in a casual lunch or chat group.

According to the Reeracoen × Rakuten Insight APAC Workforce Whitepaper 2025, 72% of Vietnam’s workforce says “personal meaning and social contribution” now matter more than titles or pay.

6. Align With Employers That Prioritise Wellness

Look for companies offering:

  • Mental health days or flexible work policies

  • Clear growth pathways and empathetic leadership

  • Access to counselling or wellness workshops

These are not perks—they’re productivity investments.

7. Plan Your Post-Tet Reset

Use the year-end slowdown to design your 2026 work-life plan:

  • Set realistic goals (one for career, one for self).

  • Identify skills to learn next year.

  • Map your leave calendar (see: [Holiday Planner Vietnam 2026]).

  • Declutter your workspace—mental calm starts with physical order.

🔍 FAQs

Q1. What’s the difference between stress and burnout?

Stress is temporary pressure; burnout is long-term depletion that makes recovery harder.

Q2. How can I discuss burnout with my boss?

Use facts, not feelings. Explain how fatigue impacts performance and suggest manageable solutions (e.g., adjusted workloads or flexible hours).

Q3. Does quitting solve burnout?

Not always. Reflect first—sometimes it’s poor boundaries, not the job itself.

Q4. Can Vietnamese companies support mental health legally?

Yes. Under the Vietnam Labour Code, employers must ensure safe working conditions, including psychosocial health.

👩‍💼 For Jobseekers: [Submit Your CV — Find employers who value mental health and sustainable work culture.] 

💼 For Employers: [Book a Consultation — Build employee wellness strategies to prevent burnout in your teams.] 

✅ Final Author Credit

  • By Valerie Ong (Regional Marketing Manager)

  • Published by Reeracoen Vietnam — a leading recruitment agency in APAC.

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📚 References

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