One in five employees suffer from burnout, according to Yale University. These employees feel exhausted and overly busy. This can cause them to be cynical about their jobs and leave tasks unfinished. Ironically, employees considered to be highly engaged, professional and dedicated are often affected the most. Finding a local, Wichita employee benefits agency to provide the right plan giving your team tools to avoid burnout is one solution, but let’s first dive into facts about the issue.
In 2019, the World Health Organization classified employee burnout as an “occupational phenomenon” that can cause mental exhaustion, negative feelings about your job, and reduced productivity. And that was even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Burnout can also lead to more serious mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
What causes burnout?
There are many factors, but here are two within your control that you may want to consider:
- Are you a workaholic? If you allow work to take too much precedence in your life, you may be creating a negative situation. The burnout you are feeling may be the result of your own high standards rather than unrealistic work expectations. It may be time to evaluate the pressure you are putting on yourself to succeed.
- Have you chosen the right career? Some jobs are more stressful than others. For example, members of the military, public safety officers and health care providers must always perform at the top of their game. Don’t stay in a career that isn’t right for you. If your job is inherently very high-stress, burnout is unlikely to diminish unless you choose a new profession.
Are you burned out?
Everyone is different, but some of the most common symptoms of burnout include:
- Diminished work performance
- Lack of excitement about job duties
- Inability to concentrate on work
- Increased absences
The Mayo Clinic recommends asking yourself the following questions. The more you answer “yes” to, the more likely it is that you’re experiencing burnout.
- Have you become cynical or critical at work?
- Do you drag yourself to work and have trouble getting started?
- Have you become irritable or impatient with coworkers, customers or clients?
- Do you lack the energy to be consistently productive?
- Do you find it hard to concentrate?
- Do you lack satisfaction from your achievements?
- Do you feel disillusioned about your job?
- Are you using food, drugs or alcohol to feel better (or to avoid feeling anything)?
- Have your sleep habits changed?
- Are you troubled by unexplained headaches, stomach or bowel problems, or other physical complaints?
How can you reduce or prevent burnout?
Here are two effective ways to combat burnout:
- Set realistic goals: Reducing your workload can help reduce stress. Talk to your supervisor about achieving a more balanced workload and realistic deadlines. If you are working on a team, set collective goals and work together at a reasonable pace.
- Strive for an effective work-life balance: Take time off to care for yourself and your family. You need time to recover from everyday stressors both at work and at home. Take the vacation time you’re entitled to, and don’t monitor emails or answer calls while you’re away. If your employer offers it, take advantage of flexible scheduling. Avoid emailing colleagues after hours and on weekends. Take lunch breaks. Leave the office on time.
Give yourself a break
Sometimes, burnout is temporary. Whether it’s the result of a big project or a short-lived but high-stress situation at work, you may only need a few days off or simply a return to your normal schedule. Give yourself some time to rest, hang out with friends or take a walk.
If the problem is chronic, larger interventions may be necessary to get burnout under control for good.
If you have questions about reducing and eliminating burnout, our Wichita employee benefits team can help. Contact us today for input on providing proactive resources to ensure you and your employees avoid burnout.