Recognising and Combating Burnout in the Workplace
Who doesn’t feel overwhelmed or stretched thin sometimes? But when relentless work stress pushes you into a state of physical and emotional exhaustion known as burnout, it is a serious problem, affecting not just your own performance and well-being, both on the job and off, but also that of your team and your organisation.
What is burnout?
‘Burnout’ is recognised by the World Health Organisation as an ‘occupational phenomenon’. While it is not a medical condition, it has been classified as a syndrome, meaning a collection of symptoms or signs associated with a specific health-related cause.
Because burnout happens gradually, you might not notice the symptoms immediately. But once it takes hold, it can seriously affect your ability to function across all aspects of life.
Below are the 12 stages that an individual goes through before experiencing Full Burnout. By being aware of the below, you can spot the warning signs early and take action to stop Burnout in it’s tracks.
Burnout isn’t something which goes away on its own. Your brain and body can only handle feeling like this for so long. If you consistently experience high levels of stress without taking steps to manage or reduce it, exhaustion eventually takes over leaving you burnt out.
If you ignore the signs of burnout, it could cause further harm to your physical and mental health in the future. You could also lose the ability and energy to effectively meet the demands of your job which could have knock-on effects to other areas of your life.
Source: mentalhealth-uk.org
Long-Term Strategies to Combat Burnout
While short-term steps like taking a break, practicing self-care, and seeking support are helpful, developing a long-term strategy for managing burnout is essential for individuals and organisations experiencing persistent stress and symptoms of burnout. Here are some effective long-term strategies to stop or recover from burnout:
Develop a Support Network:
Foster relationships with colleagues who can offer support and understanding.
Join professional groups or networks for additional support.
Enhance Work-Life Balance:
Establish a clear distinction between work and personal life.
Schedule regular leisure activities and hobbies.
Improve Time Management:
Use tools like planners or apps to manage tasks and deadlines effectively.
Implement time-blocking techniques to increase productivity.
Seek Professional Development:
Take courses or attend workshops to improve skills and job satisfaction.
Set career goals and work towards them gradually.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques:
Practice mindfulness, meditation, or yoga to reduce stress.
Incorporate regular breaks and relaxation exercises into your day.
Adjust Job Role if Necessary:
Consider discussing a role change or job rotation with your employer.
Explore new career opportunities if the current job is unsustainable.
In Summary: It’s tough to make changes when you don’t know exactly what needs to change, but exploring contributing factors or sources of stress in your life can help. Developing a long-term strategy for managing and recovering from burnout is essential to protect your physical and mental well-being. By taking proactive steps, you can ensure sustained health, productivity, and job satisfaction.