Layla, a 35-year-old marketing manager, had always been a high achiever, known for her dedication and commitment. However, over the past year, her responsibilities have increased significantly without a corresponding increase in resources or support. Layla began working longer hours, often taking work home during weekends. Her personal life started to suffer as she had less time for family and friends.

As months passed, Layla began to feel exhausted and disillusioned. She struggled to find motivation and joy in her work. Small tasks became overwhelming, and her performance declined. Despite her efforts, she received little recognition, and her requests for additional help were ignored.

Eventually, the breaking point came when Layla had a panic attack during a critical presentation. She realised that her health and well-being were severely compromised and decided to seek professional help.

That is when her employer gave her the needed support, She took some time off to focus on her recovery. During this time, she engaged in therapy, practiced mindfulness, and reconnected with her hobbies. Her company also implemented several changes, including hiring additional staff to distribute the workload and establishing a wellness program.

Upon her return, Layla felt rejuvenated and more resilient. Her mental health was at a better state. She continued to practice self-care and maintain a work-life balance, which helped her sustain her productivity and job satisfaction.

So what has Layla experienced here? Burnout

Burnout: Causes and solutions

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when individuals feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), burnout is an “occupational phenomenon” resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been effectively managed. As stress continues, individuals begin to lose interest and motivation, leading to reduced productivity and a diminished sense of personal accomplishment.

Burnout can stem from various factors, often interrelated and compounding over time. Key causes include:

• Workload: Excessive workload and unrealistic expectations can lead to chronic stress.
• Lack of Control: Feeling powerless to influence decisions that affect one’s job.
• Insufficient Reward: Inadequate recognition or financial reward for one’s work.
• Work-Life Imbalance: Poor balance between personal life and professional demands.
• Lack of Community: Insufficient support from colleagues and supervisors.
• Unfair Treatment: Experiencing bias, discrimination, or unfair practices in the workplace.

Signs and Symptoms of Burnout

Burnout manifests in various ways, and recognising its signs is crucial for early intervention. Common symptoms include:

Physical Symptoms:

• Chronic fatigue
• Insomnia
• Frequent headaches or muscle pain

Emotional Symptoms:

• Sense of failure and self-doubt
• Feeling helpless, trapped, and defeated
• Decreased satisfaction and sense of accomplishment

Recognize and Reward:

• Implement recognition programs to acknowledge employees’ efforts and achievements.
• Provide fair compensation and benefits.

Behavioural Symptoms:

• Withdrawing from responsibilities
• Isolating oneself from others
• Using food, drugs, or alcohol to cope

Solutions for Burnout

Burnout is a serious and growing issue in today’s fast-paced work environment. Understanding its causes, recognising its signs, and implementing effective solutions are essential steps in combating burnout.

Both individuals and organisations have roles to play in creating a healthier, more supportive work culture. By prioritising mental well-being and fostering a balanced approach to work, we can mitigate the impacts of burnout and promote a more sustainable and fulfilling professional life.

Addressing burnout requires a multi-faceted approach that involves both individual strategies and organizational changes.

By addressing burnout proactively and comprehensively, we can create healthier workplaces and more resilient individuals, ultimately leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction.