Burnout is a serious issue in the workplace and can have far-reaching consequences for both individuals and organisations.
The term burnout is used to describe the condition of being worn down and exhausted due to prolonged stress and lack of satisfaction from work. It is characterised by mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, and decreased effectiveness.
The effects of burnout are extensive. For physicians, it can lead to emotional and physical withdrawal from work, which can negatively impact safe, high-quality healthcare for patients. In the wider workforce, burnout can result in high turnover, reduced productivity, and poor mental health.
Given the prevalence and seriousness of burnout in the workplace, it is essential to understand the warning signs and what we can do to prevent it.
Signs of Job Burnout
While it is easy to become overwhelmed in any work environment, there are several signs of job burnout that should not be overlooked.
- Lack of Motivation
The most obvious sign of job burnout is feeling a lack of motivation. If you find yourself feeling exhausted and overwhelmed at work, and this leads to a lack of motivation to complete tasks, then you may be experiencing job burnout.
Additionally, you may also notice that you are easily irritable and easily frustrated with your co-workers and supervisors. This is a sign that you are not in a safe mental and emotional state, and that job burnout is having a negative impact on your productivity.
- Lack of Focus
Another key sign of job burnout is an inability to focus on work tasks or projects. You may find yourself unable to focus and concentrate on your work or find yourself becoming easily distracted while working. This inability to concentrate and stay focused can lead to an increase in errors and mistakes, as well as decreased productivity.
- Physical and Emotional Drainage
One more telltale sign of job burnout is feeling physically and emotionally drained. If you find yourself feeling drained after a full day at work, or unable to make it through the day without some kind of nap or rest, then this could be a sign that job burnout is taking a physical and emotional toll on your health and well-being.
- Decline in Performance
If you find that you are consistently delivering sub-par work and you cannot seem to produce satisfactory results, this could be a sign that you are struggling to keep up with the demands of your job. If this is the case, you should carefully evaluate the current tasks and responsibilities on your plate and consider reducing your workload if feasible.
- Heightened Anxiety
Heightened state of anxiety is another sign of burnout. If you find yourself feeling excessively worried or anxious about the tasks you are responsible for and unable to relax even when away from work, this may be a sign that you are struggling with burnout.
It is important to carefully monitor your emotions and take steps to relax and take care of yourself when you encounter feelings of anxiety and stress.
Strategies to Avoid Job Burnout
- Set Goals
One of the most effective strategies for avoiding job burnout is to set realistic goals for yourself and your team. Goals don't have to be overly ambitious or unattainable, but having clearly defined objectives and milestones is key to staying motivated and keeping yourself from burning out.
Also, it's important to take regular breaks throughout the day, whether it's a quick walk outside or a few minutes of stretching and meditation. These breaks can help refresh your mind and give you the energy to push through any challenging tasks.
- Stay Organised
Staying organised is a great way to keep track of projects and tasks and not let them pile up. Keeping a list of the tasks and their deadlines is a great way to make sure that nothing slips through the cracks. Similarly, delegating tasks is a fantastic way to stay ahead of the workload and ensure everything gets done.
- Prioritise your health
Finally, be sure to take care of yourself by eating healthily, exercising, and getting enough sleep. These habits can not only help you feel energised, but can also improve your focus and productivity. As an added bonus, taking care of yourself encourages coworkers and colleagues to follow suit and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
