Regardless of how long someone has been working, one issue affects most, if not all, employees: job burnout. Work-related stress leads to burnout at the workplace, and is measured in part by three factors: emotional exhaustion, detachment and inefficiency.
Is it REALLY burnout?
How to tell the difference between a bad day and actual job burnout? The Landmark Forum, a comprehensive course aimed at giving people from all walks of life an awareness of basic structures in how they think, know and act, explains that the following traits are good indicators that burnout is on the horizon:
- Repeatedly complain
- Frequently participate in gossip and don’t enjoy being with your co-workers
- Dread going to work and/or are chronically late
- Are overly tired and feel trapped/stuck with no place to go
- Lie or compromise what’s important to you, like not doing a good job that you know you can do
What professions see a high rate of burnout?
Some professions see higher rates of job burnout; mostly those considered “helping” professions. That includes (but isn’t limited to): teachers, healthcare professionals and counselors. Individuals who identify strongly with their work usually have a difficult time managing a healthy work/life balance.
Some studies show that stress is the leading reason for nearly 80% of physician visits. Physical fatigue, irritability and insomnia can easily transition to more serious issues like depression, anxiety and even substance abuse.
What now? How to combat burnout.
Reconnecting with intentions, aligning work with personal integrity and avoiding complaints (by focusing on solutions) are all key points that can help people who are suffering from job burnout.
Managing stressors is usually a good place to start when combating on-the-job stress. What options can help to eliminate the stressors? An extra break? Working from home a day or two per week? Would extra education help the feeling of being overwhelmed?
A person can adjust his or her attitude when identifying stressors as well. Complimenting others on a job well done and showing that they are valued can, in turn, help those who are stressed feel valued.
Exercise and movement are huge stress relievers. Taking a walk after the morning meeting or during the last half of the day can make a world of difference when trying to manage burnout.
A good night’s rest can help prevent burnout before it starts. Being well-rested keeps the mind sharp and the body healthy.
As always, maintaining open lines of communications between coworkers and management helps to significantly eliminate stressors and prevent burnout.