Occupational burnout is a state of emotional and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. This happens when a person experiences emotional exhaustion and is unable to meet the necessary requirements and this condition is usually related to work or other current activities, such as caring for a family member or raising children. The more the stress increases, the more the motivation or interest that was initially the reason to take on the role fades.
In occupational burnout, several main symptoms have been identified:
Exhaustion – a common symptom of burnout is the feeling of emotional or physical exhaustion and the inability of a person to cope due to lack of energy. Sometimes the physical symptoms can be body aches, as well as stomach and eating problems.
Cynicism (depersonalization) – the feeling that the work is increasingly stressful or frustrating, a feeling of cynicism or indifference towards work and colleagues, distancing from colleagues.
Decreased productivity – burnout makes a person feel negative and makes it difficult to concentrate on tasks. Laziness and lack of creativity may occur. Daily tasks are often affected and the overall work may suffer.
Personality traits with increased risk of developing the syndrome:
- propensity for perfectionism (“I can’t afford to make a mistake.”);
- feeling a lack of competence (“I can’t handle it”);
- the strong need for harmony (“I must not affect anyone.”);
- the belief that things are out of your control (“Others decide for me.”).
Dealing with burnout requires three approaches to be followed:
Recognition: pay attention to the warning signs of occupational burnout.
Reversal: this is the time when the damage is removed by seeking support and managing stress.
Sustainability: building your own resilience to stress, paying attention to physical and emotional health.