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Updated at 9:00 a.m. ET on September 21, 2023
The Burnout Epidemic: Understanding and Combating Exhaustion in the Workplace
In Fyodor Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov, Alyosha, the novel’s central protagonist, seeks solace and purpose in a monastery, hoping to cleanse his soul and find fulfillment in his work. However, his cynical father warns him, “You will burn and you will burn out.” These words resonate with the modern phenomenon of burnout, a term coined by psychologist Herbert Freudenberger in 1974 to describe the state of exhaustion and ineffectiveness caused by excessive demands in the workplace.
If you’re feeling burned out in your job, you’re not alone. According to a survey conducted by Deloitte in 2015, 51% of American corporate workers reported experiencing burnout more than once in their current position. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this issue, with a study published in the Harvard Business Review revealing that 89% of respondents experienced a decline in work satisfaction during the pandemic, with many confessing to struggling with heavy workloads and frequent burnout.
The burnout cycle manifests in three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, cynicism or depersonalization, and a negative view of personal effectiveness. When burned out, individuals feel physically and mentally drained, lose enthusiasm for their work, and doubt their own abilities. To determine if you’re experiencing burnout, you can take self-evaluation surveys available online, such as the one provided by Psychology Today.
Burnout not only impacts the mind but also has adverse effects on the body. Individuals suffering from burnout often experience fragmented sleep and dysfunctions in the production of cortisol, resulting in chronic stress. Prolonged burnout can lead to inflammation, weakened immune systems, metabolic issues, cardiovascular disease, and even premature death.
Various job characteristics contribute to burnout, including work overload, emotional labor, lack of autonomy, role ambiguity or conflict, inadequate supervision, lack of social support, and encroachment of work on personal life. Employees are more prone to burnout when they are overworked, unsupported, and lack control over their work environment.
Some industries and workplaces are more susceptible to burnout. Gallup’s research in 2022 revealed that K–12 education, universities, professional services, and government or public-policy jobs experience the highest levels of burnout. In contrast, manufacturing, utilities, and construction report significantly lower burnout rates. Interestingly, meeting fatigue emerged as a key contributor to burnout, with occupations that heavily rely on meetings exhibiting the highest burnout rates.
Overcoming burnout is challenging because it hampers one’s ability to find satisfaction and happiness in previously fulfilling tasks. A study published in The Journal of Psychology found that engaged employees not experiencing burnout found fulfillment in core work, client interactions, and colleague relationships. In contrast, burned-out individuals reported a worsened experience in these same activities. This discrepancy highlights the importance of addressing burnout to foster a more positive work experience.
To prevent burnout in the workplace, employers should prioritize creating work-life balance, allowing employees to express themselves within rational boundaries, providing support, clarifying job roles, and minimizing unnecessary meetings.
For employees, the key to beating burnout lies in establishing boundaries and creating space between work and personal life. By setting defined working hours and limiting work-related electronic communication during leisure time, individuals can gain relief from constant work-related thoughts and rejuvenate their engagement with their profession. Remote workers, who have been particularly susceptible to burnout during the pandemic, should implement strategies to separate their work and home life to combat burnout effectively.
Burnout is a pervasive problem that requires attention and action from both employers and employees. By understanding its causes and implementing strategies to prevent and address burnout, individuals can reclaim their happiness and fulfillment in the workplace.
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