Learn What is Workplace Burnout? From Causes, Symptoms To Prevention Measures

Do you feel exhausted, cynical and unmotivated in your workplace? Don't worry then, you are not alone. Many employees face workplace burnout due to cynicism and detachment from co-workers or customers.

This workplace burnout takes a toll on both mental and physical exhaustion, leading to symptoms such as chronic fatigue, headache, anger, depression etc.

Sometimes workplace burnout also stems from extreme job dissatisfaction and uncertainty about improving and progressing in the workplace.

Workplace burnout is becoming a major cause these days, and many employees are affected by it. To combat burnout in the workplace, an organisation must prioritise factors like cleanliness, better data management, budgeting and various other strategies.

What is Workplace Burnout?

Burnout extends beyond being a simple word used in everyday conversations. It is much more than that, especially in the workplace.

While experiencing burnout in a regular routine can somewhere be manageable, but it becomes far more concerning and impactful when a person suffers from burnout at work.

Workplace burnout is related to chronic work-related stress. It mainly occurs when a person endures job dissatisfaction and depletion of personal happiness due to emotional and physical exhaustion.

Sometimes burnout in the workplace gradually escalates over time, which the employees ignore and then continue to suffer. Workplace burnout should not be taken for granted as it can be a serious problem for individual employees and organisations.

What are the causes of workplace burnout?

Nowadays, many employees are grappling with burnout in the workplace. But have you ever thought about the factors responsible for workplace burnout?

Though every workplace must ensure that every employee working in the organisation is physically and mentally safe by providing them with the necessary equipment and resources to perform their jobs.

Also, the most priority part is that discriminatory behaviour should not be a part of the workplace at all. However, several other factors lead to burnout in the workplace are:

●             Experiencing challenging Workload.

●             Perceived lack of control.

●             Earnings scarce Reward or appreciation.

●             Lack of supportive Community.

●             Absence of Fairness.

●             Values Mismatched.

●             Poor interpersonal relationships.

What are the symptoms of Workplace burnout?

If you've been experiencing workplace stress for a long time, it can lead to workplace burnout. Although workplace burnout is not considered as a medical diagnosis, but it can address a variety of physical and mental symptoms, such as:

●             Gastrointestinal problems.

●             High blood pressure.

●             Poor immune function.

●             Recurring headaches.

●             Disrupted patterns shift.

●             Concentration issues.

●             Depressed mood.

●             Feeling worthless.

●             Loss of interest or pleasure.

●             Suicidal ideation.

●             Fatigue.

●             Body aches.

●             Alcohol, smoking and drug consumption.

●             Neglecting personal needs.

While it is not always easy to identify the symptoms of workplace burnout, as there are other contributing factors other than those mentioned above. However, if one is battling such symptoms, detecting them and trying to escalate the situation immediately is essential.

How to prevent Workplace burnout?

If the employees in the organisation experience workplace burnout, it is not only the individual but the organisation that is significantly affected.

Burnout in the workplace results in lower productivity and engagement, as well as higher absenteeism and turnover. Meanwhile, if the person suffering from burnout does not take the necessary steps, it can be a serious problem.

Below are some factors that can help with employee well-being and reduce the likelihood of long-term and ultimately excessive stress.

●             Work Satisfaction

●             Organisational respect

●             Employer care

●             Work-life integration

●             Foster social interaction

●             Setting a clear purpose for employees

●             Creating equal workloads

●             Eliminate unnecessary rules

●             Include employees in decision-making

Conclusion

Nowadays, the issue of workplace burnout is increasing, due to which many employees are getting affected. While burnout may sound like a simple term, but it is affecting the individual as well as the organization significantly.

It can affect the person physically and mentally, which can pause the organisation's growth. A person who is working in a workplace burnout may exhibit symptoms like high blood pressure, mood swings, fatigue, and more.

Workplace burnout often stems from job dissatisfaction, lack of control, strained relationships, etc. Hence, it is essential to prioritise employee respect, work-life balance, interaction with employees, and many more to mitigate workplace burnout.