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Working in the corporate world brings some unique challenges, and from tight deadlines to the stress of professional networking, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with the constant pressure to succeed. Characterized by symptoms of fatigue and demotivation, burnout is a real concern for office workers that should be taken seriously. In this guide, we’ll be discussing the dangers of burnout in the corporate world, and the steps you can take to combat it.
What is Burnout?
Burnout is a state of mental or physical exhaustion that can be caused by stress at work, or through other demanding activities like high-level sports or running a household. Often occurring when individuals are continuously exposed to high-pressure situations or facing long-term job dissatisfaction, burnout can lead to a sense of overwhelming fatigue and detachment. If you’re suffering from burnout, it’s easy to feel hopeless – sometimes, weeks or even months can go by without a solution, which is why knowing how to deal with it when it arises is vital.
How to Deal with Burnout
Sometimes, no matter how much you try to manage stress at work, burnout can creep up on you unexpectedly. When this happens, there are things you can do to deal with it effectively.
- Be honest with your boss: Admitting that you’re struggling with burnout might not be easy, but it’s vital if you want to improve your condition. By being open with your boss about what you’re going through, you can ensure that they’re able to give you the support you need, such as a reprioritization of work or a relaxed deadline.
- Try a new hobby: Taking your mind off work is a great way to help you deal with burnout. Whether it’s a new sport or an online activity, channeling your energy into something fresh and exciting can give your motivation a much-needed boost. There are plenty of options out there, but you might want to consider online games; tools like BonusFinder Ireland can help you source the best bonuses available online.
- Practice self-care: Self-care is one of the best ways to cope with burnout. Whether it’s establishing a healthy sleep routine or taking up one of the different types of yoga, taking time for yourself gives you the opportunity to regain your energy and confidence.
- Seek professional help: If you’re still struggling with burnout after a few weeks, and things aren’t feeling better, then it might be time to seek professional help. Consider consulting your doctor, a therapist, or an alternative healthcare provider who specialises in burnout, and they’ll be able to explore the right approach with you.
Recognising the Warning Signs of Burnout
Luckily, before burnout strikes there are a number of warning signs that you can keep an eye out for:
- Exhaustion: Feeling drained and depleted of energy, both physically and emotionally, can be a tell-tale sign that you’re at risk of burnout.
- Cynicism and detachment: If you begin to develop negative attitudes and emotions towards work, or start feeling disconnected from colleagues and tasks, it might be time to take a break.
- Cognitive difficulties: Burnout is more than just fatigue and detachment – it can also surface as cognitive difficulties like problems with concentration, memory, and decision-making.
- Increased irritability: You might also find yourself becoming easily frustrated or agitated at work if you’re going through burnout.
- Physical symptoms: A commonly overlooked element of burnout is the physical symptoms that this condition can bring, like headaches and disturbed sleep. These can be clear signs that burnout is on the way.
It is important to note that burnout is not a clinical diagnosis – instead, it’s a state of chronic stress that can be avoided if you take the right action. By being aware of and recognizing these symptoms, you can take steps to tackle burnout before it strikes.
What does Burnout look like in the Corporate World?
In the corporate world, burnout can take many forms, but the most commonly seen symptom is a lack of productivity. Individuals who struggle with burnout often face limited motivation to complete projects on time, and they might turn up late to the office or take longer to get things done. If you suspect someone you work with may be going through burnout, or you’re tackling this condition yourself, it’s important to remember that burnout isn’t reflective of someone’s ability or willingness to do well – it requires compassion and appropriate action.
Burnout can be a worrying condition that can leave you doubting your ability. However, it’s nothing to be ashamed of, and with the right approach to recognising the warning signs and dealing with symptoms as they arise, you can regain your motivation in the corporate world and get back to what you do best.
