Burnout in the workplace has become a growing concern in recent years, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) defining it as an occupational phenomenon characterised by three dimensions: energy depletion, increased mental distance from one's job, and reduced professional efficacy. Understanding the causes, signs, and impact of burnout is essential for both employees and employers to create healthier work environments.
In her course, Burnout in the Workplace, Edel Walsh guides users through practical steps to regain control of their work-life balance, explore their values, and address workload, control, and relationship issues.
Causes of Burnout
Several factors contribute to burnout in the workplace. One significant cause is lack of control, where employees feel they have little influence over decisions affecting their work. A lack of clarity regarding workload expectations and constantly shifting goals can further exacerbate stress levels.
Toxic work environments also play a major role in burnout. Employees who feel undervalued, belittled, or even unsafe are more likely to experience exhaustion and disengagement. Research from McKinsey suggests that one in four employees report working in a toxic environment, which can significantly increase the risk of burnout.
Burnout is not solely the result of overwhelming workloads. Monotony in work roles can be just as detrimental. Employees in repetitive and unstimulating jobs may struggle with motivation and engagement, leading to burnout over time. Similarly, a lack of reward or recognition can contribute to feelings of dissatisfaction and exhaustion.
Another critical factor is misalignment of values between employees and their employers. When an individual’s core values do not match those of the organisation, they may struggle with motivation and long-term job satisfaction, leading to stress and burnout.
Signs of Burnout
Burnout manifests in physical, emotional, and behavioural symptoms.
Physically, employees may experience fatigue, frequent illness, headaches, muscle pain, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns. Those suffering from burnout often find themselves falling sick more frequently due to lower immunity.
Emotionally, burnout can lead to feelings of failure, self-doubt, detachment, and lack of motivation. Even individuals who love their jobs can suffer from burnout due to excessive demands and pressure.
Behavioural signs include withdrawal from social interactions, procrastination, use of unhealthy coping mechanisms (such as alcohol or drugs), and increased absenteeism. Employees may also exhibit increased cynicism and a negative outlook towards their work.
Impact on Employees and Employers
The impact of burnout extends beyond the individual, affecting workplace productivity and morale. For employees, burnout can lead to declining performance, reduced job satisfaction, and increased mental health challenges. Research indicates that employees experiencing burnout are 63% more likely to take a sick day, 23% more likely to require medical attention, and 2.6 times more likely to seek new employment opportunities.
For employers, burnout can result in higher staff turnover, increased absenteeism, reduced engagement, and lower productivity. The post-pandemic work environment has highlighted the blurred lines between personal and professional life, exacerbating burnout among employees working remotely. Although productivity has increased, reports indicate that burnout rates—especially among women—have also surged.
Addressing Workplace Burnout
To tackle burnout effectively, organisations must go beyond surface-level solutions such as wellness webinars or fruit baskets in the office. Employers should focus on building a culture of well-being, addressing the root causes of burnout rather than offering temporary fixes. This includes providing clear role expectations, fostering supportive work relationships, recognising employee efforts, and encouraging work-life balance.
A well-structured corporate wellness programme should involve meaningful changes, such as flexible working arrangements, mental health support, and policies that prioritise employee well-being. Recognising the signs of burnout and taking proactive measures can lead to a healthier, more productive workforce and a more positive organisational culture.
For the full session, please click here. Edel Walsh covers the following topics during this course:
What is Burnout?
- The causes of burnout
- The signs of burnout
- The impact of burnout
Making a plan to control your work life.
- Exploring your values
- Solving workload problems
- Solving control issues
- Solving relationships issues
Leadership
- How can leadership transform burnout teams?
The contents of this article are meant as a guide only and are not a substitute for professional advice. The author/s accept no responsibility for any action taken, or refrained from, as a result of the material contained in this document. Specific advice should be obtained before acting or refraining from acting, in connection with the matters dealt with in this article. The information at the time of publishing was accurate and could be subject to final changes.
