Signs You've Reached The Point Of Burnout At Work
Our tech savvy culture has created some good and bad outcomes. For example, because of the internet and cell phones, we can be reached 24 hours a day, which is good in case of emergencies or connecting with loved ones. However, this is not always ideal when it comes to work and feeling as though you have to be responsive all hours of the day, especially when it's your day off and you're trying to enjoy quality time with family or friends. Unfortunately, not having a good work-life balance can also lead to burnout. If you're feeling this way, you're not alone.
According to Forbes, a survey done by Mental Health America found that "70 percent of the current workforce is searching for other jobs, and roughly 50 percent are checked out." The reasons they gave for this were "excessive overtime hours, a workplace that doesn't encourage teamwork and a boss who doesn't allow work flexibility." To see if you're feeling this way, here are some symptoms to look out for.
You can feel burnout physically, mentally, and emotionally
If you're feeling exhausted and tired all the time time, this could be a bad sign. This exhaustion can be physical, emotional, or mental. Wellness coach Elizabeth Scott explained, "Burnout causes people to feel drained, unable to cope, and tired. They often lack the energy to get their work done" (via Verywell Mind).
Chronic stress from work can also lead to physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, or intestinal issues. Dr. David Ballard, head of the American Psychological Association, told Forbes, "A lot of burnout really has to do with experiencing chronic stress. In those situations, the demands being placed on you exceed the resources you have available to deal with the stressors."
Reduced job performance is also a sign of burnout. You may have difficulty concentrating, feeling a lack of creativity or having negative sentiments about tasks. Scott says if you're unsure if your work performance has suffered, compare your performance to previous years. "Because burnout tends to happen over an extended period of time, taking this long-term view might reveal whether you're in a temporary slump or experiencing more chronic burnout," she says.
Changes that can alleviate job burnout
Ultimately if you're feeling this way, it could be a good time to make some changes. Self-care strategies like getting plenty of sleep, eating a healthy diet, and getting exercise can help to ease stress. A fun vacation can also be a temporary fix. However, if that doesn't work, speaking with the human resources department about problems in the workplace or talking to your advisor about issues could be helpful.
Unfortunately, sometimes companies are just not invested in creating a healthier work environment. "I do think there are times when, no matter what you try to do, the organization is unable or unwilling to make those changes," Dr. Ballard says, "and in those cases, it is just time to move on."