5 Signs of Workplace Burnout
Could you be experiencing workplace burnout, and not even realize it?
Common in workplaces, yet hardly ever discussed, is the experience of workplace burnout. In my work as a psychologist, I see many high functioning professionals struggling with symptoms of burnout at work without even realising it. Disturbingly, I've seen people get misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety instead of recognizing the contribution that their workplace has on their symptoms. This can be confusing and harmful for people, and lead to the wrong kind of help in getting back on track.
Here are 5 signs of workplace burnout to look out for:
1. You feel anxious or unmotivated in the mornings. Lots of people say that they struggle to get to work in the mornings, or that their mornings are unpleasant, because they feel anxious. Some people experience nausea, stress symptoms such as a racing heart, tight chest or shortness or breath, and even digestive issues such as constipation or diahrea.
Other people say that they feel really unmotivated in the mornings, and that they have to force themselves out of bed to get to work. They find it an effort to be present in their work, and feel like any positivity or excitment is forced and not genuine. Rather than symptoms of an underlying psychological condition such as depression, these experiences could point to the experience of workplace burnout.
2. You're exhausted with no work/life balance. Many people describe feeling as though work overtakes their life. Often work starts early in the morning and goes until late at night with no lunch break, or a quick lunch at your desk. People say that they spend hours getting a multitude of tasks accomplished in fast paced environments with deadlines and other pressures. There can also very commonly be a culture in the workplace of being the first in and the last to leave, often encouraging or even pressuring employees to stay back late. Some workplaces even require or expect that long hours are part of the job.
All of this leads to a gradual or sudden loss of work/life balance. People often say that they need to cancel a family get together, or can't make a barbeque on the weekend because they are working. Other people complain that they simply do not have enough hours in the week to get other tasks done, or to get any downtime for themselves. Life becomes a chore and feels more like an obligation than fun. If you are noticing yourself lacking enjoyment in your life, feel overworked or that work often gets in the way, you could be experiencing burnout.
3. You're always thinking about work, and can't wind down, especially at night. Some people say that they struggle to "switch off" from work, find themselves checking emails at home, thinking about work when they are trying to fall asleep or waking up with work on their mind. When work overtakes your thinking and becomes almost an obsession, it is a sign that you could be experiencing the early signs of burnout.
4. You've lost your passion, or feel disheartened by the system. Some people find that there is a gradual loss of excitement, joy or sense of accomplishment in their work. Where you might have enjoyed contributing in meetings and implementing new projects in the past, now this all feels dull and repetitive. You could feel bored, uninterested and uninspired. Conversely, you might find yourself still very much enjoying the work itself, but finding that the system or the people you work with are making it harder. This is a very common greivance that lends itself to gradual feelings of helplessness and sadness, that can lead to other symptoms of burnout.
5. You notice that time drags, you can't wait for the weekend or you start to call in sick a lot. It's really common to have slow days, or times at work where you really don't feel like being there. But if this is persistent, and you find yourself agonizing regularly about going to work, this could also be a sign of burnout. In addition, if you find yourself taking sickies, leaving early, spending lots of time in the bathroom or on breaks, it is possible you are burnt out.
If you are concerned that you or someone you care for is experiencing burnout, you can take this test. You may also benefit from making an appointment with one of our trained online psychologists who specialise in burnout prevention and self care in the workplace.
Author: Ivone Rebelo
