Workplace burnout

Workplace burnout

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Adapted from NES Matters newsletter January 2023, authored by Susan Mair.

We are hearing a lot about workplace burnout in the media, but what actually is it?

In 2019, 'burnout' was recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a "syndrome resulting from work related stress". The lines between work and home life have become increasingly blurred. Many of us are working longer hours, and for many, our means of social interaction and social environments have changed.

Common signs of burnout can include:

• Feeling tired or drained most of the time
• Feeling helpless, trapped and/or defeated
• Feeling detached/alone in the world
• Having a cynical/negative outlook
• Self-doubt
• Procrastinating and taking longer to get things done
• Feeling overwhelmed

Gender and age play a role, with women and young people reported feeling more prone to extreme stress and pressure at work according to Mental Health UK.

Does this resonate with you? Where can you go for help?

• Speak to your line manager
• Coaching for Wellbeing – 2 hours of one-to-one wellbeing coaching support
• Confidential self-referral to Occupational health through HR

Free apps and programmes to support your wellbeing:

• Wellbeing Hub

Here are some useful links.

Articles:

• What Is Burnout? 16 Signs and Symptoms of Excessive Stress (positivepsychology.com)
• Burnout Guide: Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention - Commoncog
• Avoiding Burnout - Maintaining a Healthy, Successful Career (mindtools.com)
• Recovering From Burnout - Finding Passion for Your Role Again (mindtools.com)
• Search - National Wellbeing Hub for those working in Health and Social Care

Informal online Self-test:

• Online Burnout Test - Mind Help (Self-Assessment)

Videos:

• Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski: The cure for burnout (hint: it isn't self-care) | TED Talk
• Morra Aarons-Mele: 3 steps to stop remote work burnout | TED Talk
• Rangan Chatterjee: THE 7 SIGNS YOU'RE BURNT OUT, NOT LAZY (Change Everything In 2023)

This page was last updated on: 30/01/2023