When you think about hazards in the workplace, you likely think of equipment or fall hazards. Maybe you think of less obvious hazards, such as workplace harassment or ergonomics. Rarely does anyone consider burnout a hazard. However, burnout may cause reduced productivity, increased errors, susceptibility to illness, and even anxiety and/or depression.
What is Burnout?
Burnout is a chronic state of stress. Constantly working long hours, in high-stress, high-pressure settings, and/or managing a heavy workload are contributing factors. More than just being tired after a long day at work, Psychology Today defines burnout as:
“A state of chronic stress resulting in:
Physical and emotional exhaustion
Cynicism and feelings of detachment
Feelings of ineffectiveness and lack of accomplishment”
Burnout doesn’t happen overnight but knowing the signs and mitigating the effects (before you find yourself in a state of chronic stress that leaves you unable to function on a personal or professional level) can prevent it.
What are the Signs of Burnout?
Knowing the signs of burnout is only half of the equation when it comes to prevention; you must address the symptoms to prevent them from piling up and resulting in burnout. Psychology Today lists the following signs of burnout:
Fatigue
Insomnia
Forgetfulness
Impaired concentration/inability to focus
Chest pains/heart palpitations
Increased illness
Headaches
Loss of appetite
Anxiety and/or depression
Loss of joy and/or isolation from activities that once brought joy
Feelings of inadequacy
Irritability
Don’t just recognize the symptoms: address them. If you feel that you may be on the verge of burnout speak to a healthcare provider. Don’t be afraid to discuss your workload, goals and expectations, or your schedule with your employer. Many alternative solutions can be found and put in place to prevent burnout.
For employers, being able to recognize signs of burnout and provide support and resources is a key component of supporting the well-being of your workforce. If you notice a colleague exhibiting signs of burnout, encourage them to speak to a healthcare provider. Be ready to help them by directing them to your EAP or providing resources so that they can get medical and psychological support.
Preventing Burnout
Help prevent burnout in the workplace!
Know and recognize the signs of burnout
Encourage employees to stay healthy by exercising and eating well
Remind employees to get enough sleep
Be open to discussing workload and other concerns with staff
Take team breaks throughout the day – stretch breaks, lunchtime walks, or team yoga are great ideas
Support all employees to take their breaks every day and to eat lunch away from their desks
Encourage all employees to take their vacation entitlements!
Burnout Impacts Health and Safety
Burnout has a negative impact in the workplace on health and safety. Burnout results in increased errors which can be costly, dangerous, or deadly. Burnout can impact almost every facet of health and safety in every type of workplace, and the result is the same: an error that results in an accident, incident, illness, or even a fatality.
Trust MSW
MSW provides an online Psychological Health and Safety eLearning Module and an online Stress Management and Resilience Module. You can trust MSW to provide you with cost-effective training solutions tailored to meet your organization’s unique health and safety needs.
To ask to learn more, contact us online or call 289.309.1143. Visit us 24/7 on the web at MSW.
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