Signs of Burnout and How to Address Them in the Workplace

Burnout is a growing issue that impacts productivity, morale, and the health of employees across industries. If you’re noticing lower engagement, reduced job satisfaction, frequent absences, or symptoms of job burnout among your team, burnout might be a factor. This guide explores what burnout is, the signs to look for, and steps to effectively address it.

What is a Burnout?

Burnout is a state of chronic workplace stress that hasn’t been managed effectively. It’s characterized by three main dimensions: emotional exhaustion, cynicism (or depersonalization), and a decreased sense of personal accomplishment.

Burnout shares overlapping symptoms with depression burnout, where burnout is often work-related, but depression affects all areas of life. When employees experience burnout, their mental and physical health suffers, affecting workplace morale and productivity. Burnout can be associated with or lead to a mental health condition such as depression and anxiety, highlighting the need for seeking professional help if one suspects they may be experiencing such issues.

Burnout is not the same as experiencing too much stress. Excessive stress involves overwhelming pressures that can still lead individuals to believe they can regain control, whereas burnout signifies a deeper sense of emptiness and exhaustion. Recognizing the symptoms and potential risks associated with both conditions is crucial.

Burnout Data in the Philippines

According to AXA Mind Health Study, burnout has become especially prevalent among professionals in the Philippines, where surveys indicate that up to 87% of workers report experiencing work-related mental health challenges. Notably, around 33% of employees in the Philippines reported symptoms of burnout in 2023, significantly exceeding the global average of 20%. Burnout impacts different aspects of work, from absenteeism to motivation, and addressing it in your workplace can have far-reaching benefits.

In 2024, a study from PubMed Central examining burnout among working adults in Southeast Asia found that the Philippines had the highest prevalence, with 70.71% of employees experiencing high or very high levels of burnout. This significant figure underscores the critical need for employers in the Philippines to implement effective strategies to address employee well-being and reduce burnout rates.

10 Signs of Burnout that Employees Should Be Aware Of

Understanding the signs of burnout can help you identify and address it before it impacts your team’s performance. Here are ten burnout symptoms to watch for:

1. Exhaustion

Employees who are persistently exhausted and struggle to make it through the day may be experiencing burnout. This can manifest as mental and physical fatigue that makes even basic tasks feel overwhelming.

2. Cynicism and Negativity

Burnout often brings a feeling of detachment or cynicism toward work. Employees may lose interest, seem disengaged, or express negative opinions about their tasks, the workplace, or clients.

3. Feeling Ineffective or Useless

Burnout can make employees feel like they’re not achieving anything worthwhile. This sense of inadequacy and lack of accomplishment affects their motivation and productivity.

4. Increased Irritability

Irritability or frustration over minor issues can indicate burnout. Stressed employees may become short-tempered, impacting both team dynamics and client relationships.

5. Depression

Burnout and depression are closely linked. Employees who seem withdrawn, disinterested in activities, or consistently down might be experiencing both. It is important to consult a mental health professional for proper.

6. Difficulty Concentrating

Burnout can lead to trouble focusing or frequent mind-wandering, making it difficult for employees to stay engaged in their tasks.

7. Physical Symptoms like Headaches or Stomach Pain

Physical symptoms often accompany burnout, including headaches, stomach issues, and muscle tension. Stress can take a serious toll on the body, compounding burnout symptoms.

8. Sleep Disruptions

Employees facing burnout may struggle to fall or stay asleep. Lack of quality sleep exacerbates fatigue and affects performance.

9. Increased Use of Substances or Comfort Foods

Burnout may drive employees to use substances or food as coping mechanisms. This could lead to further health problems and a vicious cycle of stress.

10. High Absenteeism and Presenteeism

Burned-out employees may take more sick days or, conversely, show up even when they’re not well enough to perform. Both absenteeism and presenteeism disrupt workflow and add strain to the team.

Steps to Deal with Burnout Effectively

Burnout is preventable and manageable with proactive strategies and a supportive work environment. Here’s how you can help your employees address burnout and build resilience.

1. Foster Open Communication

Create a culture where employees feel comfortable discussing stressors. Regular check-ins allow team members to share their challenges and request support without judgment.

2. Encourage Work-Life Balance

Offering flexible hours or remote work options can reduce stress. Encouraging employees to take breaks and respect boundaries outside of work hours also helps prevent burnout.

3. Provide Access to Mental Health Resources

Mental health resources like counseling or wellness programs can offer employees coping mechanisms for handling stress. Employee assistance programs (EAPs) can be a valuable tool in promoting mental well-being.

4. Promote Healthy Workload Management

Avoid overloading employees by prioritizing and distributing tasks realistically. You might consider restructuring workloads or delegating responsibilities to prevent burnout.

5. Recognize and Reward Effort

Recognizing employees for their hard work can boost morale. Simple gestures like thank-you notes or employee recognition programs can foster a sense of accomplishment and value.

6. Offer Skill Development Opportunities

Providing opportunities for training or personal growth can combat the feeling of stagnation that often accompanies burnout. This keeps employees engaged and helps them see a future within the company.

7. Create a Positive Work Environment

A positive workplace culture where employees feel supported and respected can mitigate burnout. Promote teamwork, provide constructive feedback, and create an inclusive environment.

8. Encourage Physical Well-being

Encouraging employees to stay active and prioritize their physical health can help alleviate stress. Simple wellness initiatives, such as group exercises or standing desks, can make a big difference.

9. Provide Flexibility Around Sick Days

Encourage employees to use their sick days when needed without fear of reprisal. Allowing time for recovery is essential for preventing further burnout.

10. Set Realistic Goals and Expectations

Clear and achievable goals help employees focus without feeling overwhelmed. Regularly revisiting and adjusting expectations based on workload helps maintain a balanced approach.

Addressing burnout in the workplace is essential to maintaining a healthy, productive environment where employees feel valued and motivated. By recognizing the signs of burnout and implementing these supportive measures, you can help your employees regain their passion, improve their performance, and prevent future burnout.

Causes of Burnout

Burnout is a growing concern in the workplace, particularly in high-pressure environments. It occurs when employees experience prolonged stress, leading to emotional exhaustion, reduced performance, and detachment from their work. Below are the key causes of burnout:

1. Heavy Workload and Unrealistic Expectations

Employees who are constantly overwhelmed with excessive tasks and tight deadlines are at a higher risk of burnout. When job demands exceed an individual's capacity to manage them, stress accumulates, leading to mental and physical exhaustion. Unrealistic expectations from employers further exacerbate the issue, making it difficult for employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

2. Lack of Control Over Work

Employees who feel they have little control over their tasks, schedules, or decision-making processes often experience frustration and stress. A lack of autonomy can make employees feel powerless and unmotivated, increasing the risk of burnout. Organizations that fail to provide flexibility and independence in job roles may see higher turnover and disengagement rates.

3. Inadequate Support from Management and Colleagues

A lack of support from supervisors and colleagues can make workplace challenges more difficult to manage. Employees who feel isolated or unsupported may struggle with job-related stress, leading to emotional exhaustion. Supportive leadership, clear communication, and strong team collaboration are essential in preventing burnout.

4. Poor Work-Life Balance

When employees are expected to work long hours without sufficient breaks or time for personal activities, burnout becomes inevitable. A culture that prioritizes work over well-being can lead to chronic fatigue, decreased motivation, and long-term health issues. Encouraging a work-life balance through flexible schedules and wellness programs can help mitigate burnout risks.

The Costs of Burnout

Burnout can have severe consequences on mental and physical health, relationships, and productivity. Some of the costs of burnout include:

• Mental Health Conditions: Burnout can increase the risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.

• Physical Ailments: Burnout can lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive problems, and cardiovascular disease.

• Relationship Problems: Burnout can strain relationships with family, friends, and colleagues, leading to social isolation.

• Productivity Loss: Burnout can lead to decreased productivity, absenteeism, and turnover, affecting overall workplace efficiency.

• Economic Costs: Burnout can result in significant economic costs, including lost productivity, healthcare expenses, and turnover costs.

  
  

Addressing burnout promptly and comprehensively is essential to prevent these costs and promote overall well-being.

Enhance Employee Well-being and Combat Burnout with Paywatch Solution

As a leading Earned Wage Access service provider in Asia, approved by the Central Banks, Paywatch offers a robust EWA Solution for businesses aiming to mitigate employee burnout. Our platform integrates seamlessly with your company’s payroll process, providing secure and compliant EWA services. With Paywatch, employees can access their earned wages when they need them, helping to reduce financial stress and improve their overall work-life balance.

Are you ready to address employee burnout and create a healthier workplace that fosters engagement and productivity? Contact us today to discover how Paywatch can support your business in enhancing employee well-being and creating a motivated, loyal workforce!