Burnout is the reason why a person feels low levels of energy and motivation, while at the same time feeling guilty because of high stress levels. The causes of burnout are not solely individual, the workplace is a significant contributor. In severe cases of burnout, a person may take a career break for a few months to recover. There are signs that should be monitored to mitigate the risk of burnout.
Long ongoing inconsistency
When a person feels excluded, doesn’t feel like they belong on the team, or can’t be fully themselves, it can lead to professional exhaustion. Also, in cases where a person needs support but does not get it from his/her employer, he/she is at risk of burnout.
A continuing mismatch between personal values and those practiced by the company is an important reason for reaching complete exhaustion. If a person does not feel that he/she is putting his/her skills and talents into the activity at work, if he/she is bored while performing his/her duties, or if tasks become routine and uninteresting, the risk of burnout increases.
In cases where there is a mismatch between the expectation of what the job will be like when hired and the activities in reality, or constantly changing responsibilities and increasing the scope of tasks without adding the necessary resources to do so also lead to eventual burnout.
Changing corporate culture
Burnout can occur when a company abruptly changes strategy or promotes an “always on” culture, requiring employees to be constantly on standby to return to the office long after the workday is over. Overwork leads to turnover, poorer health and poorer productivity outcomes.
It becomes a toxic workplace where behaviours such as bullying, unfair treatment, fierce competition, manipulation, gossiping, unethical behaviour or abuse can be observed. One does not need to be directly affected by toxic behaviors to feel the effects. Those who work in toxic environments often feel overwhelmed, distrustful, and cynical.
Wellbeing
Reaching a burnout has a positive side. This is the point at which a person rearranges their priorities and begins to put themselves and their well-being first. In order to avoid complete exhaustion, one must monitor the factors that cumulatively contribute to high stress levels and strive to minimize these situations.
