What is Occupational Burnout?

Occupational burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by chronic workplace stress that hasn’t been successfully managed. It is characterized by feelings of energy depletion, increased mental distance from one’s job, and reduced professional efficacy.

Understanding Occupational Burnout

Occupational burnout is more than just job stress. It is a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion that also involves a sense of reduced accomplishment and loss of personal identity.

The Concept of Burnout

Burnout is a reaction to prolonged or chronic job stress and is characterized by three main dimensions: exhaustion, cynicism (less identification with the job), and feelings of reduced professional ability.

The Impact of Burnout

The impact of burnout can be extensive and may include:

• Physical: Chronic fatigue, sleep disorders, frequent headaches or muscle pain, change in appetite or weight, and increased illness due to weakened immune system.
• Emotional: Loss of enjoyment, pessimism, isolation, and feelings of apathy and hopelessness.
• Behavioral: Withdrawing from responsibilities, procrastinating, using food, drugs, or alcohol to cope, and taking out frustrations on others.

Causes of Occupational Burnout

Occupational burnout can result from various factors:

1. Lack of Control: An inability to influence decisions that affect your job — such as your schedule, assignments or workload — could lead to job burnout. So could a lack of the resources you need to do your work.
2. Unclear Job Expectations: If you’re unclear about the degree of authority you have or what your supervisor or others expect from you, you’re not likely to feel comfortable at work.
3. Dysfunctional Workplace Dynamics: Perhaps you work with an office bully, or you feel undermined by colleagues or your boss micromanages your work. This can contribute to job stress.
4. Mismatch in Values: If your values differ from the way your employer does business or handles grievances, the mismatch can eventually take a toll.

Symptoms of Occupational Burnout

Occupational burnout manifests in several ways. Here are a few key symptoms:

• Exhaustion: A clear sign of burnout is feeling tired all the time. Exhaustion can be emotional, mental or physical. It’s the sense of not having any energy, of being completely spent.
• Lack of Motivation: When you don’t feel enthusiastic about anything anymore or you no longer have that internal motivation for your work, there’s a good chance you’re experiencing burnout. Other signs of burnout include not feeling motivated to go to work or feeling a sense of dread about going to work.
• Frustration and Cynicism: Burnout often leads people to feel helpless, disillusioned, and completely unmotivated. You may feel like what you’re doing doesn’t matter that much anymore, or you may be disillusioned with everything. You might notice that you’re more cynical than you used to be.
• Cognitive Problems: Burnout and chronic stress may interfere with your ability to pay attention or concentrate.

Managing Occupational Burnout

Here are a few strategies to manage occupational burnout:

1. Evaluate Your Options: Discuss specific concerns with your supervisor. Maybe you can work together to change expectations or reach compromises or solutions.
2. Seek Support: Whether you reach out to co-workers, friends or loved ones, support and collaboration might help you cope.
3. Try a Relaxing Activity: Explore programs that can help with stress such as yoga, meditation or tai chi.
4. Get Some Exercise: Regular physical activity can help you to better deal with stress. It can also take your mind off work.
5. Get Some Sleep: Sleep restores well-being and helps protect your health.

Remember, if you’re dealing with occupational burnout, you’re not alone. Reach out to others for support and take steps to alleviate the stress. For more information on occupational burnout and how to manage it, visit our website.