Burnout is a state of mental, emotional and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged stress in the workplace. It is often characterized by reduced motivation, job exhaustion and a diminishing sense of achievement.
This condition is increasingly common nowadays, so it’s good to know the signs so we can identify it at an early stage.
Exhaustion and fatigue
This is the main sign of professional burnout. In work environments where there is excessive stress or workload, people often experience a feeling of constant fatigue. Usually, it cannot be relieved even after rest. They may feel physically and emotionally exhausted, and this burnout is not compensated by rest.
Cynicism and alienation
This sign involves the development of a negative attitude towards work, colleagues and clients. Employees may lose interest or motivation in their work, becoming cynical about the organization or those around them. The emergence of a sense of alienation from their work environment is characteristic.
Reduced effectiveness
In the process of professional burnout, people often struggle with decreased productivity and effectiveness. They may feel blocked or helpless. They may have difficulty making decisions and find it difficult to complete tasks.
Exacerbated reaction
People with occupational burnout may experience amplified reactions to stressful events. They may have a lower stress tolerance threshold and react more aggressively or more emotionally to situations that would not normally trigger similar reactions.
Reduced sense of achievement
This is where people often lose their sense of achievement and job satisfaction. They may feel unsuccessful, aimless or anxious about not achieving what they consider important or valuable in their work.
These signs are often interrelated and may manifest themselves to varying degrees depending on individual circumstances and work environment.
A manager can take a few key steps if they notice signs of professional burnout in an employee. These include providing emotional support and understanding, assessing the work environment and taking appropriate measures to improve it. Other options include leave and recovery days, support for professional development and help with work-life balance. These measures aim to help the employee cope with stress and improve their wellbeing and performance at work.
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