For many years, burnout has been recognised as an occupational hazard for various people‐oriented professions, such as human services, education, and health care. Recently, other occupations that require customer service and service delivery have been included. As well as jobs shaped by various social, political, and economic factors (such as funding cutbacks or policy restrictions) that result in work settings that are highly demanding but low in resources. Although burnout can occur in other areas of our life, this blog will focus on work-related burnout. This psychological syndrome is defined as the prolonged response to chronic interpersonal stressors on the job.
Recognise the Signs and Symptoms of Burnout
Burnout is when you feel really tired and stressed because you’ve been working too hard for too long. It’s like running on empty and needing a break to recharge. The problem with burnout is that it can make you feel exhausted, both mentally and physically. It can impact your mood, energy, and even your ability to do everyday tasks. Taking care of yourself and finding a balance between work and rest can help prevent burnout. But first, let’s look at the signs of burnout you need to look for. You can’t fix something if you can’t identify it first.
- Fatigue
Fatigue in the context of burnout is a multifaceted experience characterised by physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion resulting from prolonged stress or overwork. When you’re experiencing burnout, fatigue sets in. It’s a persistent low energy level and feeling exhausted despite getting adequate rest. Or it’s like your body and mind are running out of energy because you’ve been working too hard without giving yourself the chance to rest.
- Reduced performance
When you’re experiencing burnout, you feel really stressed all the time. This can have a negative impact on your performance, specifically a decline in academic, work, or personal performance. Reduced performance in burnout occurs due to cognitive impairments like decreased focus and memory, emotional exhaustion leading to apathy, and physical fatigue hindering productivity.
- Negativity
Unfortunately, negativity can be a common consequence of burnout. This sometimes creates a bias where events or situations of a more negative nature have a greater impact on your psychological state than neutral or positive things. Negativity in burnout involves a pervasive sense of cynicism, pessimism, and dissatisfaction. Individuals may develop a negative outlook towards work, colleagues, and life in general. This negativity can manifest as increased irritability, resentment, and a tendency to criticise or complain. It reflects the emotional exhaustion and disillusionment characteristic of burnout, contributing to decreased motivation, engagement, and overall well-being.
- Physical symptoms
The impact of burnout can not only impact us on a psychological level, but also on a physical level. Signs that you may be experiencing burnout include headaches, gastrointestinal issues, changes in appetite, and sleep disturbances.These symptoms can often lead to you being more prone to getting sick. Addressing these physical symptoms is essential for managing burnout and promoting overall well-being.
- Impaired concentration
Another major indicator of burnout is impaired concentration. This can show up in a variety of ways, typically this will include difficulty concentrating, increased forgetfulness, trouble with brain fog which all can lead to reduced productivity. This cognitive symptom arises from the exhaustion and depletion associated with burnout, making it challenging to process information efficiently and maintain mental clarity. Factors such as chronic stress, emotional exhaustion, and disrupted sleep patterns contribute to this impairment. As a result, individuals may struggle to concentrate, make decisions, and perform tasks effectively, leading to decreased productivity and performance at work or in other areas of life
Outcomes of Burnout: It Goes Beyond the Individual
Burnout does not simply affect the person experiencing it, it reverberates through workplaces, teams, and even physical health over time. The consequences are both immediate and long-term, ranging from withdrawal at work to medically significant impacts.
Workplace Withdrawal & Disengagement
Burnout often leads to forms of job disengagement such as:
- Job dissatisfaction and reduced motivation
- Reduced organisational commitment, affecting team cohesion
- Absenteeism and increased sick leave
- Intentions to leave, often culminating in actual staff turnover
These patterns can erode team stability and place strain on systems already stretched thin.
Interpersonal Fallout
Burnout does not occur in a vacuum. Individuals experiencing it may:
- Increase conflict within teams due to irritability or emotional fatigue
- Disrupt workflow, as cognitive and emotional resources wane
- Contribute to a “contagion effect”, where burnout spreads socially particularly in high-pressure environments
Workplaces with persistent interpersonal aggression are especially vulnerable, highlighting the vital role of social dynamics and culture in burnout prevention.
Health Risks & Long-Term Impacts
The physical toll of burnout is significant with research finding an association with:
- A risk factor for cardiovascular issues
- Substance use
- Elevated risk of hospital admissions for both mental health and cardiovascular disease
These findings advocate for viewing burnout not just as a psychological concern but as a whole-system issue that touches overall wellbeing.
For 6 practical tips on developing a healthy work-life balance strategies, go here for more information.
NEED MORE HELP?
As you can see, there are some serious consequences of burnout. If you’re wondering whether you may benefit from counselling about burnout in your life, feel free to contact us here.
