What is “Burnout?”

Burnout is defined as “a state of physical or emotional exhaustion that also involves a sense of reduced accomplishment and loss of personal identity.” Despite popular belief, burnout does not derive from mental illness, rather, it comes from prolonged work-related stress. Nobody is exempt from experiencing burnout and proper measures should be taken to prevent and/or reconcile.

 

What Causes Burnout

In order to understand the strategies to prevent burnout, you have to understand what can cause burnout. Some triggers are:

Extended work hours – we’ve all been or seen a coworker fall victim to the unspoken rule that unless you arrive early or stay late, you are not committed. Let’s redefine ‘hustle culture’!

Excess workload – Wearing many hats is a common feat. of many businesses post-pandemic (specifically smaller companies). Though gaining knowledge and experience – compensation/job title should reflect an employee’s (actual) responsibilities. Nobody wants to work for free.

Insufficient recognition – If recognition is scarce and insufficient feeling appreciated can become insufficient. If the rewards don’t match your time and effort, and the payoff from your investment isn’t inspiring you to do more, burnout may be around the corner.

Toxic work environment/workplace culture – A toxic work environment can be attributed to many factors including poor management, a disgruntled employee, or the culture set forth in the workplace. This will rescind enthusiasm from even your best employees and deter them from continuing employment with you.

Inadequate compensation – Needless to say, financial times are hard, and if an employee’s wage does not compensate for rising costs, they are left with two options: Try to find a new job or stay in your role where you have security but are not able to make ends meet. Sounds stressful to me.

Unrealistic expectations – Employees should be given clear achievable goals with realistic timelines for completion. Quarterly reviews are imperative to an employee’s success and ultimately the success of the company. Feeling like they lack direction or the resources to complete their tasks in an accurate and timely manner will drive them to burnout.

Signs & Symptoms

There are ways to tell if burnout is starting to become prevalent for you. Symptoms include but are not limited to:

  • Lack of motivation or job satisfaction
  • Physical and emotional fatigue
  • Increased feeling frustration
  • Decrease in efficiency or productivity
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Lack of energy or enthusiasm
  • Decrease in self-confidence
  • Isolation and detachment

 

Get Ahead of Burnout

Assess Your Options

Be open. If you’re starting to feel burnout coming on, express this with your manager or supervisor. Ignoring it will only make it worse and prolong your ability to return to a sense of satisfaction and empowerment. By being open and communicating this, you can develop a plan and solutions as they pertain to correction.

 

Seek and Provide Support

Aside from sharing with your manager, you should also express your feelings of burnout to your inner circle. In doing so they can provide you with extra support like taking off workload at home, canceling plans, scheduling extra self-care time, having family send or make dinners, a spouse helping around the house so you can better prioritize sleep, etc.

 

Incorporate Breaks

Once you have expressed and established burnout, be sure to incorporate breaks throughout your day. Taking breaks allows you to recharge, allows your mind to rest, can help you regroup, limit the feeling of being overwhelmed, and help you feel more in control.

 

Be Mindful

Be mindful of your emotions and physical and mental well-being. Take inventory of how you’re feeling. Are you starting to notice some of the symptoms? Consistently notice how work is affecting you and be sure to advocate for yourself in these moments.

 

If you are experiencing burnout and have decided seeking alternate employment is in your best interest, contact us at (518) 275-4816.

 

 

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