While the doors may have closed on the sh*tshow that was 2021, burnout is still a real problem for business’ and their employees going into 2022.
77% of employees reported feeling burnt out last year and, unfortunately, most feel like their companies aren’t doing enough to address it.
And — contrary to what your social media feed might look like — just because the calendar year ticked over, doesn’t mean people are returning to work feeling refreshed and ready to kick some big goals in the new year.
In fact, the end of 2021 saw many Australians dealing with COVID-19 up close for the first time since the pandemic started (thanks Omicron).
Add the kids being on school holidays, the lovely (but never-ending) list of family events to attend, and that fact that many of know there’s going to be a huge pile of work to go back to when the holidays wrap up— and it’s safe to say many of us are still feeling, frankly, exhausted.
So, if you’re an employer or a manager, what can you do to help? Here’s how to tell who’s still feeling burnt out and what you can do about it.
First things first, what is burnout?
Burnout is what happens when you’re under severe and constant stress at work. It can make you feel disillusioned by your job, cynical and like your role doesn’t matter. And no, it doesn’t just happen overnight.
It typically requires a series of triggers that eventually lead to a feeling of depletion and almost total apathy towards your job.
Those dealing with burnout might feel they’re not contributing much to the workplace — and the thing is — they might be so burnt out emotionally, that they don’t really care, either.
Burnout at work may start as mental fatigue and overwhelm, but as it worsens, it could become a physical problem, too. Research has proven that our mental state affects our physical health.
So, while you, or others around you, might not take the mental symptoms of burnout seriously (the go-to response for so many of us is to just push through it) your body might have other plans.
Meaning, you’re more susceptible to illnesses like a cold or the flu the longer your state of stress continues. And that’s not good news for anyone.
What are the signs of burnout at work?
If you or an employee is suffering from burnout, here are some common signs:
Finding it difficult to get motivated about work
Constantly finding work to be overwhelming
Feeling exhausted and depleted all the time (like you just have nothing left to give)
Feeling unsatisfied by achievements or disillusioned about your job
Being unable to concentrate or be productive for extended periods (if at all)
Feeling irritable and impatient with your co-workers
Feeling extra-sensitive towards feedback