Is Burnout Sneaking Up on You?
Are you energized, fulfilled, and feeling a sense of purpose in your job? Or are you one of the millions on the fast track to burnout?
According to Gallup, 85% of people are unhappy in their jobs, and more than 8 out of 10 employees are at risk of burnout this year, according to the 2024 Global Talent Trends report by Mercer. A burnout epidemic is hitting workplaces worldwide, yet most employers aren’t doing enough to prioritize employee wellbeing.
Lately, I’ve reconnected with several people from my 20-year corporate career, and it’s disheartening to see so many high performers teetering on the edge of burnout with little to no support from their leadership and employer. At the end of the day, everyone suffers - the employees, whose wellbeing, productivity, and confidence plummet, and the employer's, whose engagement, satisfaction, and retention nosedive, leading to poor results and toxic work environments.
So, how can you tell if you're on the brink of burnout - or already there? Here are some signs to watch out for:
🥱 Emotional Exhaustion: Constantly feeling drained, mentally and physically, with little energy to recover. You wake up tired even after a full night’s sleep.
😒 Cynicism and Detachment: Developing a negative or apathetic attitude toward your job, coworkers, or tasks. You might feel alienated from your work environment.
📉 Decreased Performance: Tasks that were once easy feel overwhelming. You may struggle with concentration, memory, and creativity, leading to reduced productivity.
😠 Increased Irritability: You might find yourself snapping at others, becoming easily frustrated, or having a shorter fuse than usual.
🤕 Physical Symptoms: Chronic headaches, gastrointestinal issues, weakened immune system, an inability to fall or stay asleep, or other stress-related ailments can manifest as your body reacts to prolonged stress.
The impact of burnout extends far beyond your workday. It can erode your physical and mental wellbeing, self-worth, confidence, relationships and overall happiness.
If you’re noticing these signs, it’s crucial to take action before the negative effects spread to all areas of your life. Here’s what you can do:
🛑 Set Boundaries: Clearly define your work hours and responsibilities. Learn to say no when needed, and ensure you’re not overextending yourself.
🌿 Prioritize Self-Care: Engage in activities that rejuvenate you, whether it’s exercise, sports, meditation, hobbies, spending time with friends and family, or simply getting enough sleep. Self-care is non-negotiable.
🤝Seek Support: Surround yourself with people who uplift you and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s talking to a mentor, friend, or coach, don’t go it alone.
🔍 Reconnect with Your Purpose & Reevaluate Your Job Role: Take time to reflect on why you started your career in the first place and the things that you enjoy most about your job, and assess whether your current role or company is still aligned with your goals and values. If not, it might be time to consider a change.
⏸️ Take Regular Breaks: Give yourself permission to step away from work, even for short periods. Regular breaks can help reset your mind and prevent exhaustion.
If you’ve been in a high-stress, toxic work culture for an extended period, it’s likely you’ve developed a strong emotional attachment to your job, along with mental blocks that need to be overcome before traditional methods like setting boundaries, taking breaks, and prioritizing self-care will be effective.
Coaching can be an invaluable resource, offering personalized support to break down and rewire mental blocks and fears, provide strategies for overcoming and preventing future burnout, and offer much-needed accountability. If your current work environment isn’t supportive of your wellbeing, it’s time to take matters into your own hands.
Remember, your happiness and health should never take a back seat to your job. Take steps today to ensure that you’re thriving, not just surviving.
I'm here for you!
Sara
