Definition:
According to the World Health Organization, workplace burnout is an occupation-related syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It involves ongoing emotional exhaustion, psychological distance or negativity, and feelings of inefficacy. Studies show that workplace burnout leads to increased absenteeism, increased risk of depressive disorders, increased risk for diabetes, increased risk for hypertension, as well as impairment of short-term memory, attention, and cognitive processing necessary for daily work activities.
Burnout has been a buzzword for a long time. Definitions are varied (we’ll get into that later), but almost everyone has a sense of what it is. One article I read suggested that over half of employees (52%) have REPORTED feeling burned out in the past year. Estimates go as high as 66%-79% when the NON-REPORTED incidence is considered.
Questions?
Do you believe burnout is real?
Have you ever experienced burnout?
Are you currently experiencing burnout?
What helped you the most?
What workplace factors impacted your burnout?
If you are willing to share your answers to any of these questions that would be great, but it is okay to just reflect and keep it to your self. Sharing is totally voluntary.
My answers: Yes. Yes. Taking time off, changing jobs, and therapy. Lack of positive feedback, unrealistic expectations (mine and theirs), poor work/life balance. Definitely yes
Quick Statistics
Employees with burnout have….
•57% increased risk of absences greater than 2 weeks
•180% increased risk of depressive disorders
•84% increase in risk for type 2 diabetes
•40 % increased risk for hypertension
Over the next several months I plan to share more information about burnout, and more specifically about managing burnout. These posts will include risks, responsibilities, resources, general information, humor, and hopefully some inspiration.
