Workplace burnout

Workplace burnout is a phenomenon known for almost 50 years and the subject of many studies and articles, which nevertheless was only included in the World Health Organization's (WHO) official diagnostic manual in 2019.

Workplace burnout is essentially a specific type of work-related stress condition: a stage of physical or emotional exhaustion that also involves a feeling of reduced performance and a loss of personal identity. The WHO also emphasized that they view the phenomenon specifically as a problem related to workplaces and occupations.

Why is recognition and treatment important?

Burnout is not necessarily an exact medical diagnosis. Some experts believe that other conditions, such as depression, may underlie the phenomenon. There is research showing that those experiencing symptoms of workplace burnout themselves often do not believe that their work is the main cause.

What is clear, however, is that this stress condition can affect both your physical and mental health. It's worth knowing about it so you can spot the signs in yourself early and take action as soon as possible.

Symptoms of workplace burnout

It is useful to ask yourself the following questions:

• Have you become cynical or overly critical at work?
• Do you barely drag yourself to work and find it hard to get started in the morning?
• Have you become irritable or impatient with your coworkers, customers, or clients?
• Are you lacking the energy that would allow you to be reasonable and effective?
• Do you find it hard to concentrate?
• Is the sense of satisfaction you used to feel after your achievements missing?
• Are you disillusioned about your work?
• Do you overeat, or use drugs or alcohol to feel better — or simply to feel nothing at all and to avoid thinking about anything?
• Have your sleeping habits changed?
• Are unexplained headaches, stomach or bowel problems, or other physical complaints causing you concern?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be experiencing symptoms of workplace burnout. In that case it's worth seeing a doctor or a psychotherapist and talking with them. These symptoms can also be related to other health conditions, even depression.

Possible causes of workplace burnout

It can stem from various factors, including:

• lack of control: being unable to influence decisions that affect your work — such as scheduling, assignments, or workload — can lead to burnout. In such cases you may have to do your job without the proper tools.
• unclear job roles: if it's not clear what your responsibilities are, or what your managers and others expect from you, you are unlikely to feel comfortable at work.
• unhealthy workplace dynamics: you may have to work with a bully in the office, or feel that colleagues (or even your boss) constantly undermine your work. This can all lead to a stressful state.
• extreme working conditions: when work is either monotonous or chaotic, you need constant energy to concentrate — which can lead to fatigue and burnout. There may also be an unspoken expectation that you show up to work even when you're mentally or physically unwell.
• lack of social connections: if you feel isolated both at work and in your private life, this greatly increases the risk of stress. A production-focused environment at the expense of strengthening relationships leads to loneliness.
• lack of work-life balance: if your job demands so much time and effort that you have no energy left to spend quality time with your family and friends, you can quickly burn out.

Risk factors for burnout

You may be more likely to experience workplace burnout if:

• you identify so strongly with your work that you simply cannot create a balance between work and private life — the boundaries are blurred,
• you are given an excessively demanding amount of tasks — with lots of overtime,
• you are treated unfairly,
• communication and support from leaders are lacking,
• you are put under unreasonable time pressure,
• you always try to solve everything for anyone who needs it,
• your profession is a helping one — such as healthcare (doctor, nurse, caregiver), or you are a police officer, lawyer, or teacher; however, whether the syndrome appears within an organization does not depend only on the profession,
• the syndrome occurs many times more frequently among managers and decision-makers,
• you feel that you have little or no influence over your work,
• your work is monotonous.

Consequences of burnout

Neglected or underestimated stress can have significant consequences, including:

• excessive stress,
• fatigue,
• insomnia,
• sadness, anger, or irritability,
• alcoholism or substance abuse,
• heart disease,
• high blood pressure,
• type 2 diabetes,
• increased susceptibility to illnesses.

Preventing and managing workplace burnout

To prevent it, one of the most important tasks for employers would be to identify which factors make people satisfied with their workplace (results, recognition, opportunities for personal development). Our pay, working conditions, relationships, and sense of security are all things whose mere presence does not automatically produce satisfaction, but their absence significantly increases people's dissatisfaction with their workplace — and thus the likelihood of burnout.

And if trouble has already struck, try to take action. Start like this:

• assess your options: discuss your concrete concerns with your superiors. You may be able to work together to change expectations, reach compromises, or find solutions. Distinguish between goals that must be achieved immediately and those that can wait.
• ask for support: whether you turn to colleagues, friends, or loved ones for help, support and cooperation can help you stand your ground amid so many circumstances. If you have access to an employee assistance program, make use of its related services.
• try relaxing activities: explore programs that can help relieve stress, such as yoga, meditation, or tai chi.
• get some exercise: regular physical activity can help you manage stress better. Not to mention that it can completely switch off the constant work-related thoughts in your mind.
• get enough sleep: sleep ensures well-being and helps maintain health.
• mindfulness: this is a state of mind that primarily focuses on the flow of breathing; an intense wakefulness concerned with truly perceiving and experiencing every moment of our day… without misinterpretation or judgment. In a work environment, this practice includes facing situations with openness and patience, without criticism.

Listing burnout as a mental health condition and emphasizing employer responsibility is an important step toward making the syndrome recognizable and treatable. However, prevention can only be truly effective if not only companies, but we — the employees — also try to look after ourselves, those around us, and preserve both our physical and mental health.

Don't let a demanding or unwanted job undermine your health.