Are you - or someone you know - experiencing dissatisfaction in your work achievements? Feeling demotivated and detached from your job? Struggling to focus and procrastinating more in completing tasks? Burnout might be to blame.
In this article, we look at what burnout is, what to watch out for, and what you can do to help yourself - and others - prevent and manage it.
What are the symptoms of burnout?
Symptoms of burnout can vary and, due to its long-term, slow-build nature, it can sometimes be hard to differentiate from day-to-day fatigue. However, the key signs to watch out for include:
Lack of focus and concentration
Increased procrastination
Physical discomfort such as headaches, or stomach or bowel problems
General lack of satisfaction or disillusionment with your work
What causes burnout?
Burnout occurs when factors such as chronic workplace stress are either not properly managed, or go unchecked. In addition to environmental stressors, some experts and researchers believe that factors such as underlying mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, and even personality traits may also contribute.
Is it a new phenomenon?
Although ‘burnout’ is considered a new term, it was first coined around 50 years ago, with a specific focus on those in ‘helping’ professions. However, recent events such as the Covid-19 pandemic have had a profound impact on our working lives. For many, the rise of remote work opportunities have blurred the boundaries between personal and professional life. This, combined with our ‘always on’ working culture has pushed more workers towards burnout than ever before.
What can we do to combat this?
If you think you, a co-worker, or loved one, might be experiencing burnout, it’s important to address it as quickly as possible. Below, we will delve into the key aggravating factors that contribute to burnout, and discuss strategies for combating them and building healthy, long-term preventative habits.
Factor 1: Long-term stress
A high-pressure job, family commitments, and financial circumstances can all contribute to the build-up of stress over time. So, managing the elements of your lifestyle which cause your stress levels to spike can be instrumental in preventing burnout.
Take time to assess what is causing you daily stress. Wearable technology, such as fitness and activity trackers, can help to pinpoint which stressors are the most aggravating. Or try keeping a diary to track your moods and feelings, helping to determine common factors that could be the source of your stress. Acknowledging these specific factors will help you to address your stress head-on.
Factor 2: Underlying health conditions
Underlying health conditions - whether physical or mental - can also contribute towards burnout, if left unmanaged. If you have been diagnosed with a condition by a health professional, it is important to ensure that your medication is up-to-date and closely monitored.
Check what provisions are in place with your company’s healthcare insurance partner. Corporate healthcare insurance with GulfCare provides members with access to TruDoc, a leading health tele-consultation service. Its evidence-based care is centered around NHS guidelines, to ensure that you are receiving the most up-to-date and comprehensive care for your specific needs.
GulfCare members also benefit from its Chronic Medication Scheme (CMS), which enables access to regular medication on a long-term basis, without the need for repeat visits to your physician.
Staying on top of any conditions which impact your physical or mental health can make a real difference to the onset - and impact - of burnout.
Factor 3: Work-life imbalance
Modern life can be fast-paced and frantic. Between work commitments and family life, it can be hard to strike the perfect balance and give each element your equal attention.
If you are struggling to separate your professional life from your personal life, or you’re feeling overworked and overwhelmed, speak to your line manager or HR department to see what provisions can be made. The answer might be a simple fix - for example, perhaps you’re taking on more work than you should, and need to assess your department’s division of tasks.
And if you are a senior team member, lead by example. Set healthy boundaries between work and home life - for example, try to avoid sending or responding to messages outside of office hours; use your vacation allowance; and encourage your employees to make the most of your company’s corporate healthcare package. Consider the ‘oxygen mask’ analogy: to effectively assist others, you must first ensure that you are properly equipped to do so.
If you are interested in optimizing your workplace’s healthcare provisions, GulfCare is here to help. As a leading provider of tailored corporate healthcare plans both within the UAE and the wider GCC, we have the expertise and resources to help you design and implement a comprehensive healthcare program that meets the unique needs of your organization and employees. With a focus on preventative care and employee wellness, GulfCare's solutions can help reduce absenteeism, boost productivity, and improve overall health outcomes for your workforce. For more information on how our products and services can benefit your workplace, please get in touch today.
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