10 Signs and Solutions for Employee Burnout
Since the beginning of the pandemic, we’ve all probably had our fair share of stress. Whether it was the learning curve of working from home or the way our workloads have increased, we are not strangers to work fatigue.
A phrase that has been thrown around a lot in the last two years is “burnout.”
But what exactly is it, and how do you know if it’s present in your day-to-day life?
What Is Employee Burnout?
Employee burnout is a state of chronic exhaustion and disengagement caused by prolonged workplace stress. It shows up as physical and emotional fatigue, growing cynicism toward work, and a decline in performance. Left unaddressed, it affects not just the employee, but their team and the culture around them.
The American Psychological Association’s David Ballard, PsyD, describes job burnout as:
“An extended period of time where someone experiences exhaustion and a lack of interest in things, resulting in a decline in their job performance.”
If that doesn’t describe the last two years, I don’t know what does.
Of course, many of us were facing some kind of burnout before lockdown, but a lack of work/life separation and being cooped up in our homes only exacerbated the problem.
If you aren't quite sure if it applies to you, here are 10 signs of employee burnout you may be experiencing.
Signs of Employee Burnout
Exhaustion
Are you tired most of the time, even with a good night’s rest? Not having enough energy and feeling spent can be an indication of burnout.Lack of Motivation
Has leaving the comfort of your bed and dragging yourself into work proven to take more and more energy overtime?Frustration/Cynicism
Does it feel like you and the work you do doesn’t matter?Cognitive Problems
Are you finding it difficult to concentrate on the tasks in front of you?Slipping Job Performance
Have you received negative feedback on your job performance (i.e. missed deadlines, lower quality of work, etc.)?Interpersonal Problems (at home and work)
Has the number of arguments increased between yourself and coworkers or loved ones?Not Taking Care of Yourself
Has having a beer after work turned into unhealthy drinking habits?Thinking About Work Outside of the Office/Work Hours
Do your dreams only revolve around work and stressful tasks? Have you been able to let your job live within work hours?Overall Decreased Satisfaction
When was the last time you felt good about your work? Are you having feelings of being stuck or unhappy regularly?Health Problems
Has your body been behaving differently? What new aches and pains have come up?
If after reading all of those, you’re nodding your head, the good news is that there are solutions and tips to work through burnout. Like with anything, the first step is acknowledging that something is wrong or not working.
Solutions to Help Employees Recover from Burnout
Plan Time for Relaxation, Seriously
After feeling the all-consuming overwhelm of burnout, it can be hard to allow yourself to relax. If it isn’t coming naturally to you, start planning time for yourself to unwind. Meditation, reading, or taking a walk in nature can allow your mind the rest it needs.Create a Full Non-Work Life
Logging off or coming home to plans can make you feel like you only have work in your life. Try incorporating hobbies, exercise, or volunteering into your free time. This will give you space to participate in rewarding non-work activities.Step Away from the Screens
While we all feel the pressure to be readily available at all hours of every day, setting boundaries on our screen time can allow the work/life separation that some of us desperately need.Get Enough Sleep
Getting fewer than 6 hours of sleep a night can really take its toll on the body and mind. Reduced productivity, impaired mental function, and a lack of memory are just a few things that can be incredibly helped by giving your body the rest it needs.Organize Your Tasks
When there is no plan set in place, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed. Creating clear plans and to-do lists can help organize your thoughts and tasks.Stay Connected to Your Body
Listening to your body and hearing what it needs are crucial to all of the steps above. Being able to notice your fatigue, increased bodily stiffness, or flare-ups in your mental illnesses are strong indicators that something is out of alignment.
What Leaders Can Do to Prevent Burnout
As leaders in the workplace, noticing these signs in your employees can also lead to meaningful conversations about workload, delegation, and job satisfaction.
The DX CARE Model not only helps you help your employees mitigate some of the symptoms of burnout, but also prevents them.
By setting clear expectations, trusting the autonomy of your team, and connecting with your team on a human level, you can provide your employees with the resources and attention that they need to succeed.
Are you game to prevent burnout for yourself and your team? Do you CARE?
Ready to help your team recognize and recover from burnout? Explore DX Learning's leadership programs to build a team culture where burnout gets caught before it takes hold.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of employee burnout?
Common signs include exhaustion, lack of motivation, cynicism or frustration, difficulty concentrating, and declining job performance. Physical symptoms like sleep issues and increased illness can also signal burnout, especially when several signs appear together.
How can leaders help employees experiencing burnout?
Start by noticing changes in behavior, then open a direct, caring conversation rather than waiting for the employee to raise it. Practical steps include adjusting workload, encouraging real time off, and modeling healthy boundaries yourself.
Is employee burnout the same as stress?
Not quite. Stress is often short-term and tied to a specific deadline or event. Burnout is what happens when that stress goes unmanaged over a long period, leading to chronic exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced performance that doesn't resolve on its own.
