Across boardrooms and Zoom calls, the Nigerian hustle has become an identity—but at what cost? As long hours, unrealistic demands, and mental exhaustion become the norm, it’s time to ask: what is the price of productivity in Nigeria’s corporate world?
“No food for lazy man” is a phrase every Nigerian knows. From Lagos to Jos, the grind is glorified—early mornings, late-night emails, never-ending to-do lists. Long hours and stress are worn like a badge of honour and the relentless pursuit of success is often seen as a necessary sacrifice for progress.
But while society applauds this tireless drive, many workers are burning out fast. With Mental Health Awareness Month wrapping up, it’s a good time to pause and reflect on what we’ve normalised.
The glorification of burnout
The average Nigerian professional is under immense pressure. From traffic to unstable electricity, rising costs, and job insecurity, many workers are in constant survival mode. But in many offices, being overworked is mistaken for being committed. You’re praised for responding to emails at midnight, not for setting healthy boundaries.
In many high-pressure fields like engineering, healthcare, finance, tech, law, and media, it’s common for employees to receive work emails at midnight or feel expected to respond on weekends. The unspoken rule is simple: if you want to move ahead, you have to be available, always.
Yet the cost is clear: rising anxiety, depression, burnout, and fatigue.
A 2023 survey by the African Polling Institute found that 62% of Nigerian workers felt overwhelmed weekly, but only 7% had access to workplace mental health resources.
“Most of my clients are not dealing with trauma from their past,” says Lagos-based psychologist Dr Oluchi Ibe. “They’re dealing with trauma from their jobs.”
Why are we still hustling this hard?
Hustle culture is baked into Nigerian life, shaped by economic instability, societal expectations, and stigma. Many employees feel replaceable, with the high unemployment rates and rising living costs. Talking about mental health? Still seen by many as weakness.
There are various reasons why this harmful hustle culture is so prevalent in Nigeria. Let’s break it down:
Job insecurity: With unemployment high, people feel pressured to overperform and constantly prove their worth constantly to avoid being replaced.
Cultural norms: We equate success with being busy, even when it’s unhealthy.
No real policies: Most companies don’t have mental health support or enforceable limits on working hours.
Silence around stress: Admitting you’re burnt out can be misread as slacking.
The real cost
Contrary to the belief that hustle equals higher output, evidence shows that burned-out employees aren’t productive. They make more mistakes, take more sick days, and eventually quit. This leads to high turnover rates, low morale, and reduced workplace efficiency.
Globally, companies are beginning to realise the importance of work-life balance and invest in wellness. Nigeria risks falling behind if we keep pretending rest is laziness.
What needs to change
It’s time to redefine what it means to hustle in Nigeria. True progress isn’t just about grinding endlessly; it’s about creating systems that allow people to thrive without burning out. Productivity should not come at the cost of peace of mind.
The good news is that awareness is slowly growing. Some Nigerian companies are starting to catch on, offering flexible work, wellness days, even therapy. But that’s still the exception.
Employers need to normalise breaks, offer support systems, and train managers to spot burnout and provide confidential counseling services or referrals.
Employees should set boundaries, stop glorifying grind culture, and advocate for healthier work systems.
Government and HR leaders must push for mental health inclusion in labour policies and include psychological safety as part of occupational health standards.
It’s time to ask: are we grinding toward growth or grinding ourselves down? True hustle creates room to thrive. Rest is fuel. And a healthy workforce is essential.
Quick ways to guard your mental health at work
Your well-being matters just as much as your deadlines.
1. Use your leave days; you’ve earned them
Don’t hoard your rest. Time off helps reset your mind and improves performance.
2. Take regular screen breaks
Step away from your desk for at least 5–10 minutes every hour. Your eyes, back, and brain will thank you.
3. Practice saying “no” when overwhelmed
Setting boundaries is not selfish — it’s self-preservation.
4. Talk to someone you trust
Whether it’s a therapist, a mentor, or a friend, expressing how you feel helps break the isolation.
5. Don’t underestimate sleep
Rest is not a reward — it’s a necessity. Aim for 7–8 hours a night to keep your mental stamina strong.
6. Be mindful of your self-talk.
Treat yourself with the same kindness and encouragement you’d offer a colleague going through a tough time.
7. Unplug after work hours
Set clear limits on work-related communication, especially during weekends and holidays.
