Employee burnout is on the rise in the United States. In fact, nearly one-quarter of employees report feeling burned out very often or all the time and 44 percent report feeling burned out some of the time.
Clearly, business burnout is a problem for a lot of people.
The problem, though, is that a lot of people don't even realize that they are dealing with, or on the verge of dealing with, which is burnout in business.
It is important to be able to recognize the signs of burnout in business so you can get help and avoid serious health problems.
Listed below are seven common signs of burnout in business that you need to address right away.
1. Physical Exhaustion
One of the most common symptoms of burnout is a sense of chronic physical exhaustion.
Even if you got a decent amount of sleep the night before, you might find yourself walking around work struggling to stifle yawns and keep your eyes open.
For folks who are dealing with burnout, even tactics like drinking caffeine or getting some fresh air don't help them to feel more alert. It feels as though you're permanently tired, no matter what you do.
2. Lack of Motivation
According to top blogs, another symptom of burnout is a lack of motivation at work.
If you're struggling with burnout, you might feel indifferent about tasks that you once felt passionate about. You might also find that you care less or feel calloused toward your clients or your coworkers.
If you've been dreading going to work each day and this is a new feeling for you, burnout could be the issue.
3. Feelings of Frustration and Cynicism
You might also find yourself feeling shorter tempered or getting frustrated more easily if you're dealing with burnout.
Burnout can also cause people who are normally upbeat and positive to feel cynical or develop a negative view of their work or the world in general.
It is normal and not problematic to experience these feelings from time to time. But, if they are a regular occurrence, they could be a symptom of something more serious.
4. Cognitive Difficulties
Do you find that you are not thinking as clearly as you used to? Do you feel as though you are struggling with constant brain fog? Is your memory less sharp than it once was?
All of these cognitive issues can be symptoms of burnout. When you are physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted, you will likely find that it's hard to think clearly.
You may even have a hard time carrying out routine tasks, tasks that you could once complete without even thinking about them.
5. Diminished Job Performance
If you are experiencing other symptoms of burnout, such as brain fog or chronic exhaustion, there is a good chance your job performance is suffering.
If you are having a hard time keeping up at work and you are not sure why, you may want to think about how hard you have been working lately and consider whether burnout could be causing a change to your job performance.
6. Always Thinking About Work
Do you find yourself thinking about work all the time, even when you're not working?
Do you obsess over the day's activities or stress out about making a mistake?
Are you constantly checking your email or text messages in case you hear from your boss or a coworker?
You should be able to leave work at work and get on with the rest of your life.
If you're always "on" and thinking about your job, this could be a sign that you're working too hard and are on your way to being burned out, if you're not there already.
7. Physical or Mental Health Problems
Do you find yourself feeling anxious on a regular basis? Or, do you feel depressed and unmotivated to do anything, at work or outside of work?
Is your physical health taking a turn for the worst? Are you getting sick all the time, no matter how many vitamins you take?
Being overworked can wreak havoc on your mental health. It can also weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
What to do if You Experience Signs of Burnout
If you notice any of these signs of burnout, it's important to take steps to correct the situation as soon as possible. After all, your job security, as well as your physical and mental health, are all at stake.
Here are some strategies that can be very helpful for addressing and managing burnout:
- Take a break -- try to schedule some time off so you can rest and recharge; breaks are essential for remedying burnout and avoiding it in the future.
- Talk to your boss or supervisor and tell them what you've been experiencing; work together to set new goals or try and change the way you communicate with each other.
- Seek support from a co-worker, a friend, or a family member and lett hem know how you're feeling; if your job offers employee wellness services, take advantage of them and talk to a professional.
- Try a relaxing activity like meditation, yoga, or hiking on the weekends.
- Get regular exercise to help you cope with your stress and take your mind off of work.
The good news is that many of these strategies are also useful for preventing burnout. Once you've successfully implemented one or more of these practices into your life, you'll be less likely to struggle with burnout going forward.
Avoid Burnout as an Entrepreneur
Are you starting to exhibit signs of burnout at work?
If so, then you need to take steps to manage your stress so that you don't find yourself dealing with some dangerous physical and/or mental health problems.
It's especially important for entrepreneurs to avoid burnout, as they're more prone to it than many other types of workers.
Do you need to help to manage your work-life balance so that you don't become burned out? If so, be sure to check out the Entrepreneurship section of our website today.
You'll find lots of helpful resources here that will teach you to work smarter, not harder, and get more out of your business without sacrificing your health and well-being.
