Performance Under Pressure: Preventing Burnout & Sustaining Well-Being

Performance Under Pressure: Preventing Burnout & Sustaining Well-Being in High-Demand Digital Environments

In fast-moving, highly connected environments, sustained performance depends not only on technology and innovation, but on people. Constant connectivity, rapid change, high expectations, blurred boundaries, and the pressure to continuously perform can gradually impact energy, focus, well-being, and long-term engagement.

In this interactive, research-informed session, Ellen Kocher, MA, ICF MCC, NBC-HWC, will explore how stress evolves into burnout, how to recognize early warning signs in ourselves and others, and the practical strategies that help sustain both performance and well-being over time.

Joining Ellen throughout the conversation will be Deborah Belien, Organisational Health Psychologist at CSS Health Insurance, who will bring a real-world organizational perspective by sharing how one of Switzerland's leading health insurers approaches burnout prevention, early intervention, employee support, and workplace well-being. Together, they will bridge current research with practical organizational experience, creating an engaging dialogue between coaching, psychology, and workplace reality.

Designed specifically for women navigating demanding professional environments, the session will also explore the often invisible pressures women face in digital and leadership spaces—including perfectionism, emotional load, constant availability, and the challenge of balancing ambition with sustainability.

Participants will leave with practical tools, organizational insights, and evidence-based strategies that can be applied immediately in both professional and personal contexts.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

· Understand the growing impact of stress and burnout in digital and high-demand work environments.

· Distinguish between stress, burnout, and mental health conditions while recognizing early warning signs in themselves, colleagues, and teams.

· Explore evidence-based strategies used by individuals and organizations—including real-world practices from CSS Health Insurance—to prevent burnout and foster sustainable well-being.

· Apply practical coaching-informed and psychologically informed approaches to support healthier, more resilient workplaces while sustaining personal energy, performance, and engagement.

Agenda

12:00 - 12:05 WDS Welcome by Simone Theiss & speaker introduction

12:05 - 13:15 Ellen Kochen & Deborah Belien

13:15 - 13:30 Q&A & closing words

Guest

Ellen Kocher, Economist & Corporate Health Consultant

Ellen is an Economist and certified Workplace Wellness Consultant and Coach with a Master's degree in Health and Wellness Coaching, ICF MCC, NBC-HWC, and certified Digital Well-being Coach. Educated in the USA, Ellen has lived in Switzerland for nearly 40 years. After many years working in the finance sector, Ellen made a major career transition to fully dedicate herself to workplace well-being. For more than 25 years, she has supported organizations in understanding, evaluating, and integrating a holistic approach to well-being that fosters resilience, performance, sustainable engagement, and human flourishing. A consultant, coach, author, and international speaker, Ellen brings her expertise to topics related to conscious leadership, workplace well-being, healthy longevity, and cultural transformation. She also serves on several international committees and professional initiatives.

Deborah Belien, Organisational Health Psychologist, CSS Health Insurance

Deborah, holds a Master’s degree in Clinical and Health Psychology and has completed a CAS in positive psychology as well as additional training in parental burnout. Drawing on extensive experience in HR across various NGOs, she actively promotes organisational health and employee wellbeing. Having lived in several countries, she brings a rich, multicultural perspective to her work as a health coach and organisational health specialist at CSS health insurance. She works in Dutch, English, French and German.

In her role, she offers 1:1 coaching to CSS customers and designs and delivers workshops and webinars on topics ranging from parental resilience to mental health in the workplace. Passionate about helping people regain balance in life, Deborah combines psychological expertise with practical HR insights to support people in managing stress and achieving lasting wellbeing.

Sponsor

Women in Digital Switzerland (WDS) is a community of modern leaders who leverage collaboration and elevate diversity to advance careers and create business opportunities in the Swiss digital economy. Be part of the change. Embark on a journey of growth and empowerment with the WDS community. Become a WDS Supporter.

We strive to foster inclusive spaces for individuals of all genders and backgrounds who want to join our community, support our mission, and share a passion for digital innovation.

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