Check Your Symptoms: Are You Experiencing Burnout At Work?

     The current situation has caused many workers to worry about whether they will continue to have a job or need to take an extended leave due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people in the workforce may be experiencing various struggles such as stress, depression, lack of motivation, physical fatigue, and difficulty concentrating, leading them to wonder if they might be showing signs of depression.

However, these symptoms may not necessarily indicate depression but instead suggest that you might be experiencing Burnout Syndrome at work.

Burnout Syndrome

     Burnout Syndrome is a psychological condition caused by chronic work-related stress. The main symptoms include a lack of confidence and motivation at work, emotional exhaustion, a sense of incompetence, and feeling discouraged about achieving success. Eventually, negative thoughts about colleagues arise, leading to emotional detachment from coworkers, supervisors, and clients.

Symptoms of Burnout

Those suffering from burnout at work often experience feelings related to:

• Heavy workloads and high work demands, often with tight deadlines
• Lack of decision-making power and difficulty prioritizing tasks
• Insufficient recognition or rewards for their efforts
• Feeling invisible at work or like they don't belong to the team
• Lack of fairness, trust, or openness among coworkers
• Management systems at work conflicting with personal values and life goals

Signs Before Burnout

The stages before experiencing full burnout can be divided into five phases:

1.  The Honeymoon Stage

     When starting a new job, employees are dedicated and willing to adjust to the organization.

2.  The Awakening Stage

     As time passes, employees begin to feel that their expectations do not match reality. They may feel that their work is not fulfilling, both in terms of compensation and recognition, leading to frustration and exhaustion.

3.  The Brownout Stage 

     Employees begin to feel chronic fatigue and irritability. They may engage in escape behaviors like overspending, and drinking alcohol, which reduces their work performance and leads to emotional detachment.

4.  Full-Scale Burnout 

     If not addressed, employees experience feelings of hopelessness, loss of self-confidence, and a sense of failure. Symptoms of complete burnout manifest.

5.  The Phoenix Phenomenon

     With relaxation, support from trusted individuals, and adequate rest, individuals can recalibrate their expectations and reconnect with their motivation and goals at work.

Consequences of Untreated Burnout

     If burnout is not managed, it may lead to physical symptoms such as chronic fatigue, muscle pain, and headaches. Psychologically, it can result in a loss of motivation, hopelessness, and symptoms of depression, as well as insomnia. Work performance may decline, with employees frequently absent or contemplating resignation.

Treatment for Brownout Syndrome

• Ensure Adequate Rest: eat nutritious food, avoid excessive caffeine, and take short breaks from work to restore balance.
• Organize Your Life and Prioritize Tasks Effectively: such as focusing on one task at a time, setting email response times, and avoiding bringing work home.
• Relax and Destress With Activities: like watching movies, listening to music, exercising, or traveling. Meditation and relaxation techniques should be practiced regularly.
• Limit Electronic Device Usage: and social media, and avoid constant online availability, as it leads to continuous work-related communication and prevents proper rest.
• Adjust Your Attitude Towards Work By Managing Stress: which is a natural part of any job. Understand that stress can lead to growth and self-love if managed properly.
• Develop Adaptive Skills, Communication, Problem-solving, and Flexibility in Working With Others: Learn to set boundaries and say no when needed.
• Seek Help From Coworkers or Trusted Individuals: and spend more time with people who understand and value you.

Burnout symptoms may not be as severe as depression, but if left unchecked, depression could follow. If you cannot resolve the issue on your own, consulting a medical professional is the best approach.