Burnout. It’s a term that has become increasingly talked about in the corporate world, particularly as we navigate the demands of high-pressure work environments. Personally, I have experienced burnout before and have heard my peers talk about how they’ve struggled from burnout in the workplace.
It often starts as a familiar feeling of exhaustion and anxiety that gradually takes over, leaving you feeling drained and questioning yourself or even why you’re doing the things you do.
What is Burnout?
Burnout is more than just feeling tired after a long day at the office. It’s a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, often stemming from overwhelming workloads, unrealistic expectations, and constant pressure to perform. In the corporate world, where ambition and the pursuit of results are highly valued, not looking after your health can become all too easy.
The Numbers Speak Volumes
Recent statistics highlight the significant challenges faced by working professionals in Australia:
– Prevalence: Approximately 61% of Australian workers report experiencing burnout, well above the global average of 48%.
– Knowledge Workers: A staggering 82% of Australian knowledge workers feel burnt out, with over a third experiencing severe burnout.
– Workload and Staffing: Heavy workloads and not enough staff are significant contributors to burnout; 80% of full-time office workers surveyed identified these factors.
– Remote Work Challenges: Remote workers face unique pressures, with 86% reporting burnout and a substantial number feeling compelled to be ‘always on’..
– Generational Differences: Younger employees, particularly Gen Z, report feeling a greater impact from burnout, with over 85% experiencing it.
– Gender Disparities: Women report higher levels of stress and burnout at 42% compared to men.
These numbers highlight an urgent need for companies to tackle burnout through effective management practices, better leadership and support systems.
Recognising the Signs of Burnout
Identifying the signs of burnout is crucial for addressing the issue before it escalates. Common indicators include:
– Chronic Fatigue: You feel drained even after a good night’s rest.
– Reduced Performance: Struggling to maintain your usual productivity levels or feeling overwhelmed by tasks that once felt manageable.
– Emotional Distance: A sense of detachment from your work and decreased enthusiasm for projects you once enjoyed.
– Increased Irritability: Heightened frustration affecting both your personal and professional relationships.
– Physical Symptoms: Experiencing headaches, fatigue, or other physical ailments that stem from chronic stress. Personally, I had visual indicators with a large visual impairment appearing before my eyes for a long period of time.
If you’re noticing these signs in yourself, it’s time to take a step back and re-evaluate your situation.
My Personal Experience with Burnout
I know firsthand the toll burnout can take. In 2019, I was diagnosed with burnout by my GP after trying to juggle too many responsibilities—managing a restaurant business while working in a senior leadership role, not to mention the relationship struggles I was experiencing as well. I was doing over 70 hours a week and this combined with the weight of the financial pressures, and an unhealthy lifestyle filled with partying, left me overwhelmed. I wasn’t taking care of myself or seeking the professional help I needed for my mental state, and it took its toll.
I found that burnout was a signal for me that I needed to change something for if I didn’t I was heading aground like a lost ship on a on a rocky shoreline.
A Note on Boundaries
Setting healthy boundaries with employers is crucial for preventing burnout and keeping a good balance between work and life. When people establish clear boundaries, they can better define their limits around work hours, availability, and what they can handle without feeling overwhelmed. It’s important for everyone to communicate openly with their employers about their needs—like when they can be reached and when they need time to relax and recharge.
Prioritising personal time is key, too. It’s often said that when working out at the gym, the muscles grow when we’re not working them. That’s where the magic happens.
Similarly with our career, resisting the temptation to check emails or finish work tasks outside of normal hours can be helpful. Within the workplace, creating a culture that respects boundaries, people not only protect their well-being but also boost their productivity and job satisfaction in the long run. Remember, setting boundaries isn’t about saying “no” to work; it’s about saying “yes” to health and happiness!
The Impact of Burnout
Burnout can have serious implications for your career and personal life. It can lead to decreased job satisfaction, high turnover rates, and negatively impact workplace dynamics. Beyond work, burnout can seep into your personal life, straining relationships and diminishing overall well-being. The economic costs of stress-related absenteeism are huge, estimated at around $14 billion annually in Australia.
Steps Toward Recovery
Fortunately, recovery from burnout is possible, and you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Here’s how you can start addressing burnout:
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: Recognising that you’re experiencing burnout is a critical first step. It’s okay to admit that you need support. Go see a doctor and take some time off work to recuperate.
2. Reach Out for Help: Connecting with a trusted colleague, friend, or a health professional can provide perspective. As a clinical hypnotherapist and strategic psychotherapist, I offer guidance tailored to your needs.
3. Set Boundaries: Establishing clear boundaries between work and personal time is essential. Prioritise taking breaks to recharge, even if they’re brief.
4. Practice Self-Care: Do something nourishing, which is essential for mental health. Incorporate activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether that’s exercise, reading, or practicing mindfulness.
5. Seek Professional Support: Therapy can dive into underlying patterns contributing to your stress and burnout. Together, we can develop effective strategies to help you reclaim your passion for work and life.
Your Journey to Renewal
Recovering from burnout takes time, and it’s a journey that requires patience and support. You deserve to cultivate a work-life balance that promotes health, happiness, and well-being. If you’re feeling the weight of burnout pressing down on you, I invite you to reach out for support. Together, we can explore effective strategies to help you navigate your way out of the dark.