According to Yale University, one in five employees suffers from burnout. These employees feel exhausted and overly busy. They may also be cynical about their work and leave tasks unfinished. Ironically, employees considered highly engaged, professional, and dedicated are often the most affected.
In 2019, the World Health Organization classified employee burnout as an “occupational phenomenon” that can cause mental exhaustion, negative feelings about work, and reduced productivity—and that was even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Burnout can also lead to more serious mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.
What causes burnout?
There are many factors, but here are two that are within your control and that you may want to consider:
- Are you a workaholic? If you allow work to take too much priority in your life, you may be creating a negative situation. The burnout you feel may be a result of your own high standards and rather than unrealistic job expectations. It may be time to evaluate the pressure you are putting on yourself to succeed.
- Have you chosen the right career? Some jobs are more stressful than others. For example, members of the military, public safety officers, and healthcare providers must always perform at their best. Don’t stay in a career that is not right for you. If your job is inherently very stressful, burnout is unlikely to subside unless you pick a new career.
Are you burned out?
Everyone is different, but some of the most common symptoms of burnout include:
- Decreased work performance
- Lack of enthusiasm for work tasks
- Inability to concentrate at work
- Increase in absences
The Mayo Clinic recommends asking yourself the following questions. The more you answer “yes,” the more likely you are experiencing burnout.
- Have you become cynical or critical at work?
- Do you drag yourself to work and have trouble getting started?
- Have you become irritable or impatient with your coworkers, clients, or customers?
- Do you lack the energy to be consistently productive?
- Do you find it difficult to concentrate?
- Do you lack satisfaction from your achievements?
- Do you feel disillusioned with your job?
- Are you using food, drugs, or alcohol to feel better (or to avoid feeling at all)?
- Have your sleeping habits changed?
- Are you worried about unexplained headaches, stomach or intestinal problems, or other physical discomforts?
How can burnout be reduced or prevented?
Here are two effective ways to combat burnout:
- Set realistic goals: Reducing your workload can help reduce stress. Talk to your supervisor about how to achieve a more balanced workload and realistic deadlines. If you work as a team, set collective goals and work together at a reasonable pace.
- Strive for an effective work-life balance: Take time off to care for yourself and your family. You need time to recover from everyday stressors, both at work and at home. Take the vacation time you’re entitled to, and don’t check emails or answer calls while you’re away. If your employer offers it, take advantage of flexible hours. Avoid emailing colleagues outside work hours and on weekends. Take lunch breaks. Leave the office on time.
Take a break
Exhaustion is sometimes temporary. Whether it’s the result of a big project or a short-lived but highly stressful situation at work, you may just need a few days off or just get back to your normal schedule. Give yourself some time to rest, go out with friends or take a walk.
However, if the problem is chronic, broader interventions may be necessary to control burnout for good.
If you have questions about how to reduce and eliminate burnout, talk to your human resources representative or benefits advisor. If your company offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), you may want to check out those resources as well.
