Signs of Burnout

Do you often feel drained or depleted from work? Do you feel guilty about relaxing? If yes, then you’re possibly in the throes of or at risk of having a ‘Burnout’.

After working hard in the financial sector for almost a decade, Mrs. Roy decided it was time she took a sabbatical as she felt an imminent dread every time she pulled into work. The break did help her when she resumed work but she could not go on for longer than two years. It was then that she realized that she was truly Burnt Out. The monetary satisfaction of the job could not veil her true passion, which she realized was teaching, she joined Teach for India and today, even though her pay is less she is in a happier space.

We often feel overworked and undervalued, but, lack of autonomy, lack of recognition or incentives, long work hours, unreasonable ultimatums, lack of role clarity, monotonous or unchallenging work, lack of communication and support from a senior or co-workers may lead to burnout.

Burnout occurs when poorly managed workplace stress becomes a chronic condition. It is a state of physical and emotional exhaustion wherein problems seem overwhelming and unconquerable. The uncurbed and prolonged stress often overtime spills over to and disrupt other areas of life like family and social life. Burnout doesn’t occur overnight. Many warning signs and symptoms are ignored and brushed under the carpet before the last straw breaks the camel’s back.

Some individuals are more vulnerable to a Burnout, such as those with perfectionist, pessimistic or Type A personality traits, faulty lifestyle choices like overworking without relaxing, not getting sufficient sleep or those working in a high-pressure environment. 

This might take a toll, physically one may see the following symptoms: panic attacks, chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness or migraines while at work, they’re probably ‘burned-out’ or simply running out of gas. These symptoms, if not attended to, can create a vicious cycle of chronic stress due to underperformance and underperformance due to chronic stress. Some of the more serious consequences of a burnout include high blood pressure, heart diseases, Type 2 diabetes and an increased vulnerability to other diseases. 

The work environment in an organization often determines the rate of Burnout. A recent WHO-led study estimates that depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy US$ 1 trillion each year in lost productivity. Given that the contribution of India to global GDP is 7.45%, the loss translates for India as a whopping US $74.5 billion per year.

It is important that employers start off by being sensitive and recognizing the causes and effects of Burnout, while subsequently raising awareness at workplace. Depression and suicide has increased in the past few years at an alarming rate, 42.5% of corporate employees in India suffer from depression. Young adults are a particularly vulnerable group and currently show the highest rates of suicide. Suicide is responsible for 6% of all deaths among young people. 

As a result of this mental health training is a must in today’s day and age with the amplified rates of depression and suicide all over the globe. Hence, it is imperative that managers are trained about mental health, resilience training for employees and support of Employee Assist Programs (EAPs) will provide the strongest line of defense for employers against workplace stress and mental health issues. Employees can take small steps of their own to curb the stress, help themselves and their co-workers by being more understanding and supportive.

Over the years, I have realized that there is a need to address employees’ emotional concerns. This year, concerned by the rise in emotional health issues among employees at the workplace, I launched Mindtemple Institute of Behavioural Sciences, a company that will exclusively focus on improving corporate mental health.