The signs and symptoms of workplace burnout & how to prevent it

Do you feel constantly stressed and exhausted or suffer from a lack of motivation? You may be experiencing burnout.

Burnout is more than just stress. Burnout can occur when you regularly experience job related stress. Many people experience stress in their jobs, but burnout occurs when you don’t address the stress of your job.

According to a global study of 2000 workers in 43 countries, two in five workers currently report experiencing symptoms of burnout.

This is a 27 percent increase since 2020, underscoring that workplace burnout is a prevalent and increasing issue.

So, what are the signs and symptoms of burnout, and how can you address it?

Physical symptoms

· Exhaustion or constant fatigue: Exhaustion can be physical, mental or emotional.
· Insomnia
· Headaches
· Stomach aches
· Frequent illnesses like cold or flu: Being burnt out can reduce your immune system making you more susceptible to illness

Emotional symptoms

· Lack of motivation
· Feeling overwhelmed or powerless
· Feeling hopeless
· Feeling cynical or negative: When burnt out, you may distance yourself from your colleagues or your work. In addition, you may feel as if you are not capable of performing your role.

Causes of burnout

There are several things that can increase your risk of burnout. These include:

Heavy workload

You may feel as if there aren’t enough hours in the day to complete all the tasks that are required of you. Sometimes, this may occur because a colleague has left and hasn’t yet been replaced. Other times it can occur simply because the business is growing.

Unrealistic expectations

Trying to match or exceed unclear or unrealistic expectations can leave you feeling exhausted and burnt out. You may not know what your manager wants you to do, or you may feel incapable of doing it. Perhaps you feel you have to prove yourself to your manager constantly.

Limited work-life balance

You may feel you don’t have the ability to switch off from work, even when at home. It’s important to have time to relax, pursue hobbies and other interests and spend time with family and friends.

Inadequate support

Interacting with colleagues can play a significant role in reducing the risks of burnout.

How to reduce your risk of burnout

There are several things you can do to decrease your risk of burnout. These include:

Setting boundaries

Turn your phone off while at work and only respond to emails at certain times of day. This can allow you to remain focused while at work, improving your job performance.

Allowing yourself breaks

Make sure to step away from your desk at some point during the day. If you have annual leave, you should use it. Doing so will help you to recharge, decreasing your risk of burnout.

Getting sufficient sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep can help you feel refreshed and more resilient to workplace challenges.

How workplaces can reduce burnout of their employees

Increased awareness among managers

Managers should receive training on the signs of burnout and stress. Currently, there is a gap between how managers perceive employees’ well-being and how employees perceive their well-being. 7 in 10 managers say their employees’ wellbeing is the same or better than 12 months ago, while 45% of employees say their wellbeing has deteriorated over the same period.

Career success is important but should never come at the expense of your health and well-being. If you feel like you are becoming burnt out in your role, it might be time to consider a new career.

Are you looking for a new career?

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