Burnout in the workplace can be very discouraging. However, recognizing the symptoms can help you address these issues and return to a productive career. Knowing the type of burnout you’re experiencing and addressing the causes also helps combat it effectively.
Burnout in the workplace is a serious problem that affects workers across different industries. It is a condition of extreme and protracted stress-related physical, mental, and emotional weariness. Burnout occurs when workers experience emotional exhaustion, overwhelm, and an inability to meet obligations. As stress levels rise, employees lose the desire and motivation that first prompted them to take on a specific role.
The World Health Organization defines burnout as an “occupational phenomenon” resulting from poorly handled, ongoing work-related stress. Most of the time, burnout results from a lack of control over work-related issues. Job burnout develops gradually and affects employees in a way they barely notice. This article will delve into the types of burnout, the symptoms of burnout, and how it affects productivity in the workplace.
Types of Burnout
There are three main types of burnout.
- Overload Burnout
When you mention burnout, most people think of burnout. Overload means working at an unsustainable rate to achieve recognition, financial security, or career success. Pushing yourself too hard overworks your body and brain, adversely affecting your well-being.
- Under-challenged Burnout
Burnout can result from an excessive workload and the absence of a demanding job. Underchallenged burnout occurs when you feel underappreciated and disengaged from your work.
- Neglect Burnout
Neglect burnout stems from a lack of sufficient guidance in the workplace. This makes you feel powerless, uncertain, and dissatisfied. Maintaining involvement can be challenging if you don’t think your efforts are having an impact.
Workplace Burnout Symptoms
Here are some of the main symptoms of burnout in the workplace.
Exhaustion
Emotional and physical exhaustion are the major signs of burnout. You have work-related stress when you can’t shake off tiredness even after resting and feel disconnected from your colleagues.
Lack of Motivation
Reduced passion and enthusiasm for work are also common signs of employee burnout. Decreased motivation leads to disconnection and a loss of interest in work.
Cynicism
Having a pessimistic attitude about your job and becoming more snarky or critical.
Irritability
You become irritable with your colleagues or clients. Sometimes, you get outright angry with everyone around you.
Insomnia
Inability to fall or stay asleep even when tired.
Frequent Illnesses
Frequent infections, colds, headaches, and muscle pains.
Increased Absenteeism
Burnout can trigger absenteeism, which results from taking more sick days or avoiding work.
Concentration Lapses
Difficulty focusing, coupled with forgetfulness, is one of the mental signs of burnout.
Social Withdrawal
Cutting ties with coworkers and avoiding social interactions in your personal and professional life.
Causes of Burnout
Many things can cause job burnout. Here are some common causes.
Stressful Work Environment
Disagreements with workmates or a supervisor who is overly engaged in your work can cause burnout. Perhaps you deal with a bully at work or think your coworkers are not on your side. These disputes can cause stress at work.
Not Knowing What You’re Expected to Do
You will not know how you perform if you don’t know what your boss or others want you to do. This lack of clarity can lead to frustrations and cause burnout.
Lack of Tools and Control
Job burnout can result from not having control over your work schedule, workload, or assignments. Burnout may also increase if you lack the tools necessary to complete your tasks.
Poor work-life Balance
Spending so much time and energy on your profession that you don’t have time for friends and family can take its toll on you. A poor work-life balance leads to burnout.
Too Little or Too Much Work
Perhaps you work a boring job or one that is so hectic that you are unable to meet the demands. Remaining focused on these circumstances takes plenty of energy, which may result in exhaustion and burnout.
Impact of Burnout in the Workplace
Burnout mainly affects performance in the workplace. The following are ways in which burnout impacts productivity.
Reduced Productivity
Burned-out employees often have trouble focusing and making decisions, which results in errors and a decline in the caliber of their work. They become less productive, miss deadlines, and leave unfinished projects.
Increased Turnover Rates
One of the main reasons for employee turnover is burnout. When workers get to a breaking point, they have a greater tendency to quit, which increases a company’s expenses for hiring and training new employees.
Decreased Engagement
Burnout often causes workers to lose interest in their jobs. This loss of excitement might result in a decline in creative thinking and a lack of drive to take on new tasks.
Negative Workplace Culture
Stressed-out workers become agitated and less cooperative, leading to burnout and a toxic work environment. Conflicts with coworkers may lower morale and hinder collaboration even more.
More Healthcare Costs
Workers affected by burnout would need additional medical care, which raises the company’s healthcare expenses. Prolonged burnout can also result in more serious mental health problems like anxiety or depression, which further impair performance.
How to Control Burnout
Here are some ways to cope with job burnout.
Set Realistic Goals
Share your concerns with your boss and develop realistic goals with a timeline. If things don’t work out, you can always find a job that suits you better.
Make a Work Schedule
Make an effort to plan your work to balance other critical personal responsibilities. For instance, you can set a strict time for leaving the office and disable office email accounts from your gadgets when you leave.
Practice Mindfulness
Find stress-relieving activities to engage in. Meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can help ease the work-related tension.
Exercise
Regular exercise can help you cope with burnout by taking your mind off work.
Seek Support
Consult your friends, family, and coworkers for support. You may find that talking to people helps you cope. Some companies offer employee support programs, which help and give you a sense of belonging.
Final Thoughts
If you experience workplace burnout for a long time, it can negatively impact your overall health. It can also creep into other areas of your life and cause you to feel hopeless. It’s, therefore, critical to identify and address it to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Companies and organizations should promote a work-life balance, offer stress management resources, create a supportive work environment, and ensure manageable workloads to lessen burnout. The sooner you combat burnout, the happier you will likely be in your life and career.
