FEATURE
What is burnout?
Burnout is a cluster of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion
reactions. Researchers have categorized three main types
of burnout:
• “Frenetic” burnout often happens to people who are usually
extremely ambitious and hardworking, to the point of workaholism.
Frenetic burnout is strongly correlated to the number
of hours per week people work.
• The “underchallenged” form of burnout is likely to happen
when your employees are disengaged or bored, and they lack
stimulation or have little to no room for personal growth.
Employees suffering from this form of burnout tend to become
cynical because of the dissatisfaction they feel. Studies reveal
that people who work in administration and service industries
were at higher risk for this category of burnout.
• The “worn out” variety of burnout tends to hit people who
have been in their positions for long periods of time. They
may feel that their work is not acknowledged or feel a lack
control over their work. Those who were in the same position
for at least 16 years had five times the likelihood of falling into
this form of burnout.
Work-related causes of burnout
The Maslach Burnout Inventory revolves around six categories:
1. Workload: Too much work or not enough resources. Working in
a chaotic or high-pressure environment.
2. Fairness: Discrimination or favouritism. Unclear or overly
demanding job expectations.
3. Control: Micromanagement, lack of influence or accountability
without power
4. Reward: Not enough pay, acknowledgment or satisfaction
5. Community: Isolation, conflict or disrespect
6. Values: Ethical conflicts or doing meaningless or monotonous
tasks
Lifestyle causes of burnout
• Working too much, without enough time for relaxing
and socializing
• Being expected to be too many things to too many people
• Taking on too many responsibilities, without enough help
from others
• Not getting enough sleep
• Lack of close, supportive relationships
Personality traits that can contribute to burnout
• Perfectionistic tendencies. Nothing is ever good enough.
• Pessimistic view of yourself and the world.
• The need to be in control. Reluctance to delegate to others.
• High-achieving Type A personality.
Nearly eight in 10 employees (79 per cent) worldwide are suffering
from some degree of burnout at work – with 40 per cent suffering
moderately to severely, according to O.C. Tanner Institute’s
2020 Global Culture Report. In Canada, 46 per cent of employees
feel a sense of burnout.
Whether burnout is due to stress, interpersonal conflict, frustration,
lack of feedback or promotion, 27 per cent of workers in
24 countries say they are not happy with the psychological aspects
of their work environment. Even working for yourself can lead to
burnout. Small business owners regularly forego free time (57 per
cent), exercise (37 per cent) and personal priorities for their business,
which can increase their risk for burnout.
Other burnout facts
• Fifteen per cent of employees are “clock watchers.” HR
Magazine reports that they are the most withdrawn from work
and reported the highest levels of burnout – even more than
those characterized as workaholics
• People who don’t get deeply involved with their work are more
likely to suffer burnout and have lower well-being, also according
to HR Magazine
• Thirty-three per cent of Canadians receive more information on
a daily basis than they can process, which can lead to burnout,
says the Randstad Workmonitor Global Report
Symptoms of burnout
Often when it comes to burnout, we may picture someone who is 40
or older and has been working for many years, but someone could
experience the symptoms of burnout even if they are as young as
25 years of age. Some people experience burnout as a more sudden
onset, while others perceive that something is changing, and it may
take several years to manifest. They may notice a lack of personal
achievement and satisfaction at work. Going to work may feel like
drudgery and their frustration levels may increase.
Physical signs and symptoms of burnout:
• Feeling tired and drained most of the time
• Lowered immunity, feeling sick a lot
• Dry mouth and throat or difficulty swallowing
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Chest pains or heart palpitations
• Frequent headaches, back pain, muscle aches
• Change in appetite or sleep habits
• Rashes, hives or other skin problems
• Nervous tics
Emotional signs and symptoms of burnout:
• Sense of failure and self-doubt
• Feeling helpless, frustrated, trapped and defeated
• Detachment, apathetic, feeling alone in the world
• Moodiness and irritability
• Loss of motivation
• Increasingly cynical, disillusioned and negative outlook
• Decreased satisfaction and sense of accomplishment
Behavioural signs and symptoms of burnout:
• Needing more hours to get work done
• Lack of focus
• Decreased creativity and lack of new ideas
• Lack of enthusiasm and interest in work
• Forgetfulness
• Substance abuse
• Blaming, distrust of others and complaining
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