Workplace Burnouts: Causes, Symptoms, Signs, and Remedies

February 07, 2024, 12:51 PM
by Farhana Afrose Rini

UNB News
Publish- February 07, 2024, 12:51 PM
Farhana Afrose Rini
Update- February 07, 2024, 01:25 PM

Workplace Burnouts: Causes, Symptoms, Signs, and Remedies

Representational image: Freepik

Do you often feel anxious and stressed out due to work pressure? If such mental status continues for long, it can lead to burnouts and impact on your health. The term burnout refers to emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion from prolonged stress.

In today's hectic settings, individuals are gripped in job or career pressures that slowly depletes motivation – leaving them overwhelmed and drained.

Burnouts may occur due to personal life and job related issues. This article unravels the reasons behind burnout in the workplace, addresses its subtle symptoms, and advocates for preventive measures for a balanced lifestyle.

Types of Burnouts at Work

Overload Burnout

Overload burnout is a familiar and prevalent type. It occurs when individuals strive relentlessly for success at the expense of their health and personal lives.

Often affecting dedicated employees, this burnout stems from working at an unsustainable pace, driving individuals to physical and mental exhaustion. Coping mechanisms involve venting emotions and overcommitting to problem-solving, adding to stress levels.

Under-Challenged Burnout

Contrary to overload, under-challenged burnout arises from doing too little. Individuals experiencing this type feel bored and unstimulated in their roles, leading to a lack of motivation.

The absence of learning opportunities, growth prospects, and meaningful connections can result in frustration and a sense of being underappreciated. Adaptation strategies include avoidance tactics like distraction or dissociation.

Neglect Burnout

Also known as worn-out burnout, neglect burnout emerges when individuals feel helpless in the face of workplace challenges. It results from a lack of structure, direction, or guidance, making it difficult to meet expectations.

Over time, this leads to feelings of incompetence, frustration, and uncertainty. Coping through learned helplessness, individuals believe they cannot positively impact their circumstances. Eventually, it becomes passive and disengaged when faced with challenges at work.

Representational image: Freepik

Reasons behind Job Burnouts

Burnout finds its roots in several factors:

Work-related Challenges

- High workload
- Lack of control
- Unclear job expectations
- Lifestyle Influences
- Poor work-life balance
- Lack of social support
- Organizational Dynamics
- Lack of recognition
- Inadequate resources.

Personal Factors

- Perfectionism
- Lack of autonomy
- Career Mismatch
- Misaligned goals.

Symptoms and Signs Of Burnouts

Physical Symptoms

- Chronic Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Frequent Illness
- Headaches and Muscle Pain
- Digestive Issues
- Sleep Disturbances
- Restlessness.

Emotional Indicators

- Detachment
- Irritability
- Lack of Motivation
- Behavioral Changes
- Withdrawal
- Procrastination
- Decreased Performance
- Reduced Concentration
- Forgetfulness
- Negative Outlook
- Increased Use of Coping Mechanisms.

Representational image: Freepik

How to Prevent Occupational Burnouts

Lifestyle Adjustments

Sustaining a balanced work-life equilibrium is fundamental for overall well-being. Establishing clear boundaries is crucial – defining specific work hours and personal time prevents overworking and ensures a dedicated space for personal life.

Equally important is prioritizing self-care; allocating time for activities that bring relaxation and joy, be it through exercise, engaging hobbies, or simply quality downtime. These practices contribute significantly to a balanced lifestyle, fostering resilience and preventing burnout in the demanding landscape of our busy lives.

Stress Management Techniques

Embracing mindfulness and meditation is a powerful strategy for enhancing mental well-being. By incorporating mindfulness practices into daily routines, individuals can cultivate awareness, stay present, and effectively manage stress.

Additionally, engaging in deep breathing exercises serves as a valuable tool to promote relaxation and alleviate tension. These practices not only contribute to stress reduction but also foster a sense of calm and clarity. It supports individuals in navigating the challenges of a demanding and fast-paced lifestyle.

Work-Related Strategies

Mastering effective time management is paramount for productivity and good health. Prioritizing tasks, setting realistic deadlines, and resisting the temptation to overcommit are foundational strategies.

Moreover, fostering open communication and embracing delegation is equally vital. By establishing clear expectations and distributing tasks collaboratively, individuals can manage their workload more efficiently and also cultivate a supportive and communicative work environment which contributes to a healthier and more sustainable professional experience.

Seek Support

Building a support network is a cornerstone in combating challenges. Connecting with friends, family, or colleagues provides a valuable outlet for sharing concerns and gaining perspective. Additionally, considering professional assistance from a mental health professional or counselor offers tailored support.

These two approaches, social and professional, create a robust system. It ensures individuals not only navigate difficulties effectively but also receive the specific guidance needed for their mental and emotional health, promoting resilience and preventing burnout.

Reassess Goals and Expectations

Embracing realistic goal-setting is a foundational element in preventing burnout. By setting achievable goals and acknowledging personal limitations, individuals foster a sense of accomplishment without succumbing to the pressures of perfectionism. Simultaneously, open communication about workload and expectations with supervisors and colleagues is paramount.

This ensures alignment between personal capabilities and organizational demands, cultivating a supportive work environment. Striking this balance between ambition and realistic expectations is key to maintaining motivation, preventing burnout, and sustaining a fulfilling professional journey.

Breaks and Vacations

Integrating regular breaks into the workday is pivotal for sustaining productivity and mental health. Short breaks provide moments to recharge, refocus, and alleviate stress. Similarly important is the practice of planning and taking regular vacations.

Scheduling intentional breaks from work allows individuals to disconnect, recharge, and rejuvenate, fostering a holistic approach to well-being. By embracing both short breaks and planned vacations, individuals can effectively manage stress, enhance focus, and ensure long-term resilience.

Skill Development and Learning Opportunities

Committing to continuous learning is instrumental in professional development. Actively seeking opportunities for skill development within one's current role enhances proficiency and job satisfaction.

Again, engaging in discussions with supervisors about career development opens avenues for potential advancements and learning opportunities. This approach contributes to personal growth and aligns individual aspirations with organizational objectives. Eventually, it creates a mutually beneficial framework that promotes career satisfaction and mitigates the risk of burnout.

Foster a Positive Work Environment

Creating a workplace culture that values recognition and appreciation is pivotal for employees' happiness. Implementing mechanisms to acknowledge and appreciate employees' efforts fosters a sense of accomplishment and motivation.

Uniformly important is team building, which cultivates a positive team environment. Encouraging collaboration and mutual support among team members enhances camaraderie and contributes to a resilient and cohesive work atmosphere too. These practices strengthen morale, mitigate stress, and build a foundation for a positive and productive workplace.

Regular Check-ins

Embracing self-reflection is important in preventing burnout. Regularly assessing one's well-being, emotions, and work-life balance provides valuable insights into personal needs and potential stressors. Additionally, incorporating feedback and adjustments into regular check-ins allows for modifying routines and coping strategies.

This process ensures that individuals can proactively respond to changing circumstances, fostering adaptability and resilience. By consistently engaging in self-reflection and making necessary adjustments, individuals can navigate professional and personal challenges with greater awareness and efficacy, reducing the risk of burnout.

Learn to Say No

Establishing clear boundaries is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Politely declining additional responsibilities when feeling overwhelmed allows individuals to preserve their well-being and avoid burnout.

Equivalently important is prioritising tasks; focusing on high-priority assignments and avoiding overcommitting ensures efficiency and prevents undue stress. Striking this balance between setting boundaries and prioritising tasks empowers individuals to manage their workload effectively, fostering a smoother professional journey.

Representational image: Freepik

Verdict

Heavy workloads, deadline pressures, office politics, stress of losing a job, deprivation from deserved credit or promotion, unfulfilled career ambitions, etc are inherent aspects of a job. It is common for individuals to experience moments of feeling overwhelmed or anxious.

But, understanding the causes, recognizing early signs, and implementing effective remedies are vital for tackling workplace burnout. By prioritizing mental health, work-life balance, and strategic career growth individuals can build resilience and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Besides these, it behooves upon the organizations and employers to create a healthy work environment in the offices and workplaces, adopting proactive approaches to prevent job burnouts in employees.