Battling Burnout

March 23, 2010
Written by: Julie Bosche, Filed in: Employee Health Programs

Hard work may be good for the soul–and for your company–but when it comes packaged with stress and anxiety, it can quickly spell burnout.

WebMD defines burnout as “a psychological state of physical and emotional exhaustion thought to be a stress reaction to a reduced ability to meet the demands of one’s occupation; symptoms include fatigue, insomnia, impaired work performance, and an increased susceptibility to physical illness and substance abuse.” There is even evidence that burned-out workers are at a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes. All told, burnout is serious business.

What steps can employees take to avoid burnout?

Be aware. The burned-out employee is likely to be the last person to realize there’s a problem. Educate your staff members about the signs and symptoms of burnout so they’re better able to recognize it in themselves and watch for it in their co-workers.

Take a break. Encourage overstressed employees to put those vacation days to use. Even just a day or two away from the office or a long weekend with no day-to-day work stressors to contend with can help them recharge their batteries, relax, and return to work refreshed.

Work it out. Yet another advantage of getting regular exercise? It can help circumvent burnout, both by providing a healthy outlet for stress and by making you feel good about taking charge of your health.

Ask for help. No one likes to do it, particularly the perfectionistic Type A’s who are most at risk for burnout in the first place. But making it known that you could use a hand delegating, prioritizing, or juggling responsibilities is an effective means of getting back on track at work.

Strike a balance. As important as it is to get the work done well, the importance of balancing family time and a social life can’t be underestimated. Urging your employees to find a balance that works for them will make them happier and more well-rounded both in the office and out.