Signs of Burnout in the Workplace
Burnout has become a new buzzword in the world of corporate wellness. But what is it, and how do you know if you are experiencing it? In this blog, we’ll explain what burnout is, how to identify it and the proactive steps you can take to recover your wellbeing and maintain happiness in your career.
What is burnout?
Burnout refers to a long-term state of overwhelming workplace stress. It’s normal to experience some stress at work, such as when a deadline is approaching––but burnout differs from everyday stress because it is long-term and without relief. When burnt out, even after completing important projects you still feel fuzzy-headed, checked out, and like you can never catch up on your workload.
What are common signs of workplace burnout?
1. Feeling Constantly Tired
An early sign that you are burnt out is constant exhaustion. For example, you feel as though you have no energy to spend time with friends or family, or you continually arrive late to work because you keep sleeping in. A common experience with burnout is taking time off for vacation, returning to work, and feeling like you immediately need another vacation. This lack of energy can manifest in the form of getting sick often, having increased aches and pains, or experiencing insomnia.
It’s important to note that exhaustion can be a symptom of many illnesses – but tiredness that started when you began your position or after a large change at work may indicate burnout. If you have any concerns about your health, you should always talk with your medical provider.
2. Difficulty with Job Tasks
Another indicator of burnout is finding job tasks more challenging than usual. For example, you put off sending an email for days because you dread it so much. Being unable to focus, procrastinating, and forgetting important information are all signs of burnout.
This reduced performance makes sense, as burnout causes high levels of the hormone cortisol. High cortisol levels can lead to symptoms like weight gain, high blood pressure, and impaired immune function. Prolonged elevated cortisol can also contribute to anxiety, depression, and memory issues.
If you are having difficulty with job tasks, it’s nothing to be ashamed of; you can take steps to recover and perform at your full capacity.
3. Loss of Motivation
The last key sign of burnout is a loss of motivation. This is a feeling of distance from the job and its goals; you no longer feel invested in the company mission or its outcomes. You believe these outcomes are not realistic or do not matter. This manifests differently due to individual temperament, with individuals feeling angry, anxious, hopeless, or deeply apathetic.
For example, consider a social worker who was drawn to her career from a desire to help others. Over time she feels increasingly bitter and hopeless in the face of endless demands and minimal signs of progress. She loses hope at making positive change and feels like she is just going through the motions. This feeling, however, is not limited to helping professions. It can affect anyone experiencing burnout.
How Do I Recover from Burnout?
If these items resonated with you, you might be experiencing workplace burnout. Luckily, there are many ways to care for yourself and get your career and wellbeing on track.
First, take an inventory of your workplace stressors. Common ones include lack of support, unrealistic workloads, and required overtime or on-call hours. Make a list of what is overwhelming at work.
Next, assess if there are any realistic solutions. Consider talking with your manager about your concerns. It is worthwhile to take measures to improve your workplace situation if possible. However, when there are no solutions, it may be time to shift to a new position, company, or career direction. Your health and wellbeing are worth it.
While you evaluate your options, do what you can to reduce stress. If available, seek out resources such as therapy or an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Take time for the activities you enjoy, and prioritize sleep, exercise, and relaxation activities such as mindfulness. By taking these steps, you can manage stress and move forward with burnout recovery.