First, being burned out and being stressed out are
not the same thing. Being burned out is not the
same as dealing with depression. Being stressed
out can lead to being burned out and being burned out
can lead to depression.
Second, many can tell when they are stressed out,
but often, you cannot tell if you are burned out.
Third, stress and burnout are serious issues within
the food and beverage service industry, with some
research suggesting that the hospitality sector has
the highest occurrence of employee burnout. Often
the issue only becomes apparent when an employee
resigns from their position. This can be very disruptive
for the business as you have to divert your energies to
find and train their replacement.
To many who are club managers, owners and
leaders in the service industry, it is a calling, rather
than a job. You enjoy the constant movement, the fast
pace and the rewards of satisfied customers. It is also
a “chew ’em up and spit ’em out” tough business with
unrealistic demands, high turnover and long hours,
and the expectation to deliver quality food, drink and
experiences at the lowest price point possible.
What do club managers need to know?
Stress is often the result of too many pressures, issues
and challenges that need to be dealt with, which can
be a common experience in managing a club. Burnout
may be the result of unrelenting stress, but it isn’t the
same as too much stress. Burnout is when that stress
progresses, so that you and your employees feel empty,
lack motivation and have a difficult time caring about
what is happening around you.
An employee or colleague experiencing burnout
often doesn’t see any hope of positive change in their
situation. You may be moving from stress to burnout
if you experience very few “good” days, if you have
stopped caring about your work or home life, if you are
exhausted all the time, if you are overwhelmed more
days than not or if you feel like nothing you do makes a
difference or is appreciated.
FEATURE
Strategies for club managers
to keep their staff happy
and on track
lightwise/123rf
By Beverly Beuermann-King
Stress Burnout
Characterized by over-engagement Characterized by disengagement
Emotions are over-reactive Emotions are blunted
Produces urgency and hyperactivity Produces helplessness and hopelessness
Loss of energy Loss of motivation, ideals and hope
Leads to anxiety disorders Leads to detachment and depression
Primary damage is physical Primary damage is emotional
May kill you prematurely May make life seem not worth living
Source: Stress and Burnout in Ministry
Stress vs. burnout
CMQ § Spring 2020 § 19