Be Aware of the Signs and Symptoms of Burnout
According to the World Health Organization, burnout is an occupational hazard. The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) lists the disorder of burnout right alongside cancer and other types of physical and mental illnesses. Burnout isn’t all in your head, either; it can cause real health issues that go far beyond work. Burnout requires our vigilance—we should keep our eyes open and remain on alert for this insidious illness.
Feel Like You’re Burning Out? Here is How to Tell
What are the signs and symptoms of burnout?
Signs of Burnout
No matter your job, you can experience a feeling of burnout. The WHO characterizes burnout falling under three key areas:
- Feelings of exhaustion and energy depletion.
- Feelings of distance, negativity, and cynicism from your job.
- Reduced professional efficiency.
For employers and employees, it’s wise to keep your eyes open for the signs and symptoms of burnout. Look for:
- Increasing criticism and negativity, along with irritability on the job.
- Problems meeting deadlines and a lack of productivity.
- Difficulty meeting deadlines or even an inability to start projects.
- Problems with sleeping and difficulty concentrating.
- Call-offs due to illnesses such as headaches or stomach issues.
- Issues with overeating or drinking.
All of these issues are signs of job burnout. What causes burnout and what can you do about it?
Causes and Remedies for Burnout
As if the global pandemic weren’t enough, our jobs and life can create problems that eventually wear us down. Job burnout can be caused by several factors, including:
- Unclear job expectations that create a frustrating struggle to accomplish tasks.
- A lack of control over basic job decisions that affect your work. Scheduling, workloads, deadlines, team conflict—all can lead to burnout.
- Activity extremes, like overtime or excessively high activity and stress at work.
- Social isolation and a lack of engagement with your coworkers.
- General work/life imbalance such as high tasks lists that keep piling up, causing you to take your work home.
What Can You Do To Avoid Burnout?
- First, evaluate all your options. Talk with your supervisor. Is there a way to delegate some of the work you’re responsible for? Can you take some much-need vacation time?
- Look for support. Reach out to the people that care about you to see how they can help.
- Use your employee assistance program (EAP) if you have one. Sometimes just talking to a life counselor on the phone can help you gain perspective.
- Consider more exercise to help you deal with stress. While doing more activity may sound counterintuitive, if you have a desk job could the problem be mental overload? Taking yoga or a step class could take you out of your head and get your body moving, alleviating some of the mental stress you’ve been feeling.
- Increase your sleep. Turn off your devices and get yourself to bed earlier. If you have kids, they’ll benefit from a little more sleep, too.
Do You Feel Burnt Out?
Sometimes burnout can be alleviated by changing where you work. That’s where the Custom Group of Companies can help. Our team works hard every day to make sure the best candidates find the best jobs. We can help you, too. Call on us.
