THIS ARTICLE MAY BE HELPFUL IF YOU:
- Are looking for helpful ways to manage stress, chronic stress or burnout from work
- Want practical tools to overcome chronic stress or burnout
The issue of burnout at work is becoming increasingly significant in Australia as workers struggle to balance their personal and professional lives. According to this report from 2022, burnout is one of the leading risks to employee mental health, with 58% of Australian workers reporting to have experienced burnout in the last three months. Terms such as ‘occupational phenomenon,’ ‘quiet quitters,’ and the ‘great resignation’ have emerged to describe this growing problem.
Ignoring chronic stress (caused by persistent pressure and overwhelm over prolonged periods) can lead to burnout. Burnout can harm our mental and physical wellbeing, and individuals may struggle to find joy and fulfilment in daily life.
The Banyans Healthcare has reported a staggering 167% increase in enquiries for chronic stress and burnout in 2022 compared to 2021. Research also shows that 46% of the Australian workforce believes their work performance is suffering due to poor mental health.
Everyday Stress Vs Work Burnout
To overcome burnout at work, it’s crucial for individuals to distinguish between everyday stress and chronic stress. Understanding this difference can be life changing. Most people experience natural physiological and psychological stress responses to specific events at different points in their lives, which is known as everyday stress. However, chronic stress is a different type of stress that persists over extended periods and creates a constant feeling of pressure and overwhelm. Burnout may result when chronic workplace stress is not successfully managed.
Furthermore, ignoring chronic stress at work can also lead to ongoing mental health problems, including anxiety and depression, as well as physical ailments such as hypertension, heart disease, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.
Our bodies naturally respond to challenges or demands by experiencing stress, which can be motivating in some instances. However, when this stress is ongoing, it can negatively impact our mental and physical health. The crucial difference between the two types of stress is the duration of the state of stress. While short-term stress can be beneficial, long-term stress can place numerous negative impacts on a person’s wellbeing – including workplace burnout.
Symptoms of Burnout at Work
When stress in the workplace is ongoing and not addressed, individuals can experience burnout. According to the International Classification of Diseases, the symptoms of burnout include,
- Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion.
- Increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job.
- A sense of ineffectiveness and lack of accomplishment.
3 Strategies to Beat Burnout at Work
Experiencing burnout at work is a common issue among individuals and can significantly impact their mental health, overall wellbeing, and ability to live a fulfilling life. Below we’ve provided three strategies which are key in overcoming burnout from work.
Establish Boundaries & Stick to Them
To avoid burnout from work, it’s crucial to establish boundaries by defining your work hours and sticking to them. This helps in disconnecting from work-related devices and communications during non-work hours to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life.
Prioritise Self-Care
Prioritising self-care is another crucial step to prevent workplace burnout. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can promote overall wellbeing and help you manage stress levels effectively.
Cultivating Resilience
Developing coping mechanisms such as mindfulness techniques, deep breathing exercises, and maintaining a strong support network can also help cultivate resilience to handle stress and prevent burnout at work.
FREE EBOOK
The Banyans 5 Day Stress-Less Challenge
Gain insights into the underlying causes of your persistent stress and reclaim joy in your life by taking our 5 Day Stress Less Challenge.
Download our free e-book with printable worksheets today.
Get Professional Help for Workplace Burnout
Australian workers can significantly reduce the risk of burnout and foster a healthier, more balanced lifestyle in today’s high-stress workplaces by actively managing chronic stress. By acknowledging the potential impact of chronic stress on mental and physical health, individuals can take proactive steps to mitigate burnout and promote overall wellbeing.
When experiencing the debilitating effects of burnout at work, it’s vital to seek professional help. Consulting a mental health professional can provide the necessary guidance and support to effectively manage these overwhelming feelings before they worsen.
Burnout Treatment Programs at The Banyans
The Banyans world-class, multidisciplinary programs are designed to equip guests with the skills to overcome burnout from work.
Our programs include,
- Residential Programs for private, one-on-one focused recovery up to 12 weeks at time in our luxury rehab in Brisbane’s hinterland,
- Day Programs for flexible, private, one-on-one treatment one day per week for up to 8 weeks in central Brisbane
- and Online Programs, accessible to anyone anywhere in the world
When it comes to burnout from work, it’s crucial to seek help sooner rather than later for optimal recovery. Don’t delay addressing burnout. Speak to our expert team 24/7 on 1300 226 926, or make an enquiry below and our team will be in touch.
This article was reviewed by Chief Psychologist, Peter Hayton, of The Banyans.
Sources:
Australian Institute of Health & Safety: Employees say their work is suffering due to poor mental health. https://www.aihs.org.au/news-and-publications/news/employees-say-their-work-suffering-due-poor-mental-health
Yale Medicine: Chronic Stress
https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/stress-disorder#:~:text=Many%20people%2C%20over%20the%20course,a%20long%20period%20of%20time
ICD-11 (International Classification of Disease, 11th Edition). Burnout
https://icd.who.int/browse11/l-m/en#/http://id.who.int/icd/entity/129180281
Health Direct: Work Life Balance
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/work-life-balance
Employment Hero. Wellness at Work Report, 2022
https://employmenthero.com/wellness-at-work/
