Think about the last meeting you were in. Let’s say there were 12 people around the table (or on the screen), including some mid-level, and maybe even senior, managers. Nine of them will suffer from burnout. Yes, a full three-quarters of the personnel at your meeting! This is the reality of what the World Health Organisation describe as an occupational phenomenon. Burnout is a real thing, and it can cost.

With such large medical bodies now recognising the legitimacy of this kind of fatigue, it’s worth taking a few minutes to understand what burnout actually means. 

“Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress”

That’s the straightforward definition, and it’s quite clear. But in this article we want to share a few vital tips on recognising the warning signs, so you can increase the relevant support, before burnout takes hold and incapacitates your colleagues or your business. 

SO, WHAT IS THE COST?

There’s no doubt it has an awful personal impact. The exhaustion can be all-consuming, and can have serious effects on a person’s health, wellbeing, family and relationships. 

Burnout is equally bad for business. According to a recent study from Gallup, 63% of people who experience burnout are likely to go off sick. Worse still, staff who suffer from workplace weariness are over 2.5 times more likely to seek alternative employment. At an average cost of six to nine months’ salary to replace an employee, the costs could be huge.

HOW TO SPOT THE SIGNS

If employees have burnt out to the stage of exhaustion, it’s gone further than you want as a conscientious employer. However, it’s important to remember that work is not the only contributor. External factors may be at play. From the frazzled parent to the social butterfly of the office, managing the emotional balance of individuals is tricky.

This level of fatigue doesn’t often happen overnight. But it can creep up on people. Spotting the signs early means you can be proactive with your support for employees, and yourself! 

There are three main things to look out for in the build-up to burning out:

• Physical Signs
  These are sometimes the hardest to spot as we go through so many physical changes during any given day. But, if you’re feeling constantly tired, or your sleeping and eating habits have changed, it might be an early sign of burnout. People may also find themselves picking up illnesses a little easier as burnout can lower your immune response, so watch out for this in yourself and in the ongoing health of colleagues.

• Emotional Signs
  There are many things to pay attention to here. Again, look for consistencies and patterns. Those who are heading for burnout often feel emotions such as self-doubt, helplessness, negativity, and detachment. This leads to a decreased sense of satisfaction or accomplishment, and the downward spiral continues. 

• Behavioural Signs
  As managers and co-workers, there are some useful things to look out for here. For example, you might find those who are feeling overwhelmed will often withdraw from responsibilities or isolate themselves from others. Procrastination is another sign. Lack of punctuality can also be an indicator in those suffering from prolonged stress. Sometimes bad eating, drinking, or drug habits can form as a way of dealing with the daily struggle. 

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Left to its own devices, burnout can be really damaging. So, we all need to be on the lookout for the warning signs. Early intervention is important, but isn’t easy.

Managers and co-workers are not always in the right position to help. They are busy, often distracted, and the office can sometimes feel awash with rumour and gossip. To someone who is struggling, it can be a scary or unhelpful place. It’s a sad fact that only 13% of workers would feel comfortable talking to a colleague about their mental health. 

Regularly checking in on colleagues, encouraging breaks and holidays, or doing what you can to relieve stress or demands in those you have a duty of care for, is a great first step.

For those who feel they may need more professional support, Mindwork can help. For those nine unfortunate people in that last meeting, or for someone you notice is showing some of those worrying early signs, having access to an impartial, qualified councillor could make a world of difference. 

Taking advantage of our therapeutic services, those who are struggling never have to feel isolated because they can reach out anywhere, about anything. With no time-delaying requirement to get authorisation as our appointment slots are openly available. 

This level of confidentiality, accessibility, and reliability (someone there when it’s most needed) can really boost someone’s courage to talk about things. Which can douse the flames of burnout before they really take hold.

For a free consultation get in touch with Mindwork here.

Mindwork is an employee benefits service available to businesses of any size. Offering counselling, and wellbeing support to employees to help them deal with the stresses of work and life, empowering them to achieve their full potential.