Some experts call burnout an epidemic in America because the nature of most jobs demands more time, effort and mental focus than ever before. It clearly affects more workers than ever before, and it's one of the most common issues that employees discuss with the EAP.
The conventional wisdom is that burnout occurs to individuals because they cannot handle a hard, monotonous or draining job. But that implies that the problem afflicts people who are somehow weak or prone to boredom.
Burnout is sign of the times. In fact, burnout stems largely from organizational culture. It's a byproduct of the social environment within which everyone operates. The way in which people view their roles--and each other-- influences whether they can withstand job pressures and remain energized and enthusiastic.- Think and act ahead to fight burnout. As a supervisor struggling with the early signs of burnout-whether it's due to overwork, lack of control or lack of meaningful rewards in your job-you need to plot a new course. Passivity will only make matters worse; that empty feeling when you wake up and get ready for work will only intensify over time unless you address it decisively.
Identify the root cause of your burnout. If your workaholic approach has dampened your job satisfaction, discuss with your bosses and colleagues how you can set firm boundaries. Stop bringing work home. Watch the clock and enforce reasonable hours at the office. Delegate secondary duties to free up your time.
It's True! Physical symptoms of burnout include fatigue, panic attacks, increased drug/alcohol/tobacco use and either loss of appetite or weight gain (due to overeating). Burnout can lead to depression and physical illness if left untreated.
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Tip Because burnout can dull your curiosity, identify a skill or subject that interests you and enroll in a training program. Professional development workshops can expose you to new areas for growth. It can awaken your desire to learn—and help you reconfigure your existing job or land a new job that you find more exciting.
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