Burnout is a growing concern in the modern workplace and many are clueless about how to deal with it. Some organizations "pray it away" by encouraging positive thinking and giving free movie tickets. But burnout is complex. It is not simply tiredness or momentary loss of interest in one's job. It is not even just about work! Let us explore what burnout could be, its possible causes, and what can be done to effectively manage it.
Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, leading to reduced productivity and engagement, feelings of detachment, and a sense of losing purpose. This means that burnout is not caused by a singular event but rather a collection stressful experiences piling up over the years. While it is easy to attribute stress to work conditions, there are many other factors that cause it such as financial problems, conflicts in the family, unresolved childhood trauma, chronic illness, and grief. Burnout can be detrimental to the well-being of an individual, leading to negative outcomes such as anxiety, depression, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Some Factors that Contribute to Burnout in the Workplace
The causes of burnout can be attributed to several factors at work, including excessive workload, unrealistic deadlines, a lack of control over work, poor management, lack of social support, and workplace culture. In today's fast-paced work environment, employees are expected to perform at high levels while juggling multiple responsibilities. The pressure to meet deadlines and achieve targets can be overwhelming and lead to burnout. Poor management practices, such as micromanagement, can also contribute to burnout, as it leads to a lack of autonomy and control over one's work. A lack of social support, both within and outside of work, can also lead to feelings of isolation and detachment, further contributing to burnout.
How Do We Manage Burnout?
Since burnout is a complex condition, we can expect that the solution is not straightforward. The solutions are multi-faceted and must be a blend of efforts from all parties concerned. Below are some possible short- and long-term interventions:
Short-term efforts
Being intentional about taking short breaks throughout the workday to rest and recharge. Work-free lunch breaks should also be observed as much as possible.
Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to reduce stress levels. A ton of studies have confirmed again and again that mindfulness and practicing presence can work wonders to one's mental and spiritual health.
Setting realistic goals and expectations for oneself to avoid feeling overwhelmed. There is wisdom in listening to your body and knowing when things are already too much.
Prioritizing tasks and delegating responsibilities to reduce workload. You can only do so much in a day so communicating with your team about priorities and responsibilities can help a lot.
Seeking social support from colleagues, a counselor, or a spiritual director to talk through feelings and gain perspective. There is no shame in approaching the right persons to ask for help. You will be surprised many people are glad to lend a hand. Having someone to talk to and confide with can make a huge difference in your disposition.
Long-term interventions may include:
Promoting a healthy work-life balance by encouraging employees to take time off and disconnect from work after office hours. It is important to encourage employees to nurture their life outside of work.
Creating a positive work environment with clear communication, teamwork, and respect among colleagues. Organizations must take actions against toxic workplaces to improve employee retention and promote healthier professional relationships.
Offering opportunities for personal and professional development to keep employees engaged and motivated. Encouraging employees to attend seminars and workshops that contribute to their growth such as creative expressions, self-awareness, and inner work. Employees can also be given the opportunities to attend retreats and recollections to enliven their spirits.
Providing resources and support for stress management and mental health, such as access to counseling or mental health days. Nowadays, there are more creative ways to bring help closer to those who need them. The availability of these services reassures the employees that their well-being is a top priority of their organization.
Addressing systemic issues in the workplace that contribute to burnout, such as unrealistic workloads or lack of support from management. An honest review of the culture in a workplace can be painful in the short-term but fruitful in the long run.
The interventions from different levels and aspects all contribute to a healthier workplace where burnout will not flourish. Some spiritual practices mentioned above can be instrumental in helping individuals manage and overcome burnout. They help individuals reconnect with their inner selves and find meaning and purpose in their lives.