In the contemporary work environment, employee burnout is no longer a rare phenomenon; it has now become increasingly common. With excessive workload, connectivity, and intensifying performance pressure, employees become increasingly vulnerable to burnout. The World Health Organization (WHO) now recognizes burnout as a bona fide occupational phenomenon, an experience of energy depletion or exhaustion, increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of reduced professional efficacy.
Being able to identify early signs of burnout can aid employees’ well-being and the health and productivity of organizations.
Symptoms of Burnout
The following are the symptoms of burnout.
1. Physical Symptoms of Burnout
Physical symptoms of burnout include,
Constant Fatigue
A constant feeling of fatigue, one that does not subside even with rest, is almost a hallmark sign of burnout. In meetings, employees may appear drained or struggle to complete tasks that came easily to them.
Warning Signs:
Employees with constant fatigue,
Complain about low energy or tiredness
May show disinterest in physical or mental tasks
Frequent yawning or reduced alertness throughout the day
Increased Incidence of Illness
Burnout hampers the immune system, making employees more prone to ailments. Chronic stress can manifest as many physical signs, including unexplained body aches, headaches, and digestive problems.
Warning Signs:
Sick leave was taken on numerous occasions in a short period
Frequent reliance on over-the-counter medications
Increased visits to clinics or in-office medical facilities
2. Emotional and Psychological Signs
Emotional and psychological signs include,
Increase in Irritability or Mood Swings
Burnt-out employees often suffer from emotional exhaustion that makes them irritable, anxious, or even exhibit depressive symptoms. These changes grow worse with time.
Warning Signs:
Short temper or emotional outbursts
Visible frustration with small issues
Lack of patience with colleagues or clients
Cynicism and Detachment
Burnout employees become emotionally detached from work, becoming more cynical, pessimistic, or disillusioned with their work and the organization as a whole.
Warning Signs:
Negative comments about work or team members.
Loss of pride or ownership in their jobs.
Resistance to change or improvement.
3. Behavioral Changes
Behavioral changes include,
Decreased Performance
A clear indication of burnout is a significant decline in productivity or an increase in errors. Employees may become “late” in getting their jobs accomplished or fail to produce quality work, even in tasks that they once excelled at.
Warning Signs:
Variable outputs or missed deadlines.
Recurring mistakes and absence of focus.
Absence from meetings or no preparation for them.
Disengagement and Withdrawal
Employees who suffer from burnout may “check out” mentally. They no longer participate in discussions, seldom take initiatives, and may isolate themselves from team activities.
Warning Signs:
Absence of contribution in meeting.
Decreased interaction with peers.
Avoidance of responsibilities.
4. Changes in Patterns of Work
Pattern changes include,
Increased Absenteeism
Sick leave becomes more common due to the presence of burnout on the individual. Arriving late is another form of absenteeism, which may occur either gradually or hastily, but is damaging as it continues to do so.
Warning Signs:
Repeatedly arriving late or leaving early.
Absenteeism without definite cause.
Requesting long or frequent periods of breaks.
Presenteeism
The worker who would still report to work despite mental or physical illness is called presenteeism. It seems like being in a crowd, but there is no real contact with others.
Warning Signs
Lack of focus or clarity but being on-site.
Show visible symptoms of illness but without availing of time off.
Avoiding tasks that probably require high mental engagement.
5. Lack of Motivation and Purpose
These symptoms include,
Lack of Initiative
In this case, proactive employees stop suggesting new task ideas. Burnout diminishes creativity and the willingness to go beyond routine tasks.
Warning Signs:
Employees may show,
Silence during brainstorming or strategy sessions
Hesitating to take on new challenges
Avoiding leadership or mentoring positions
Falling Job Satisfaction
Burnout can make work seem meaningless. Employees may raise concerns about their professional future or feel that what they do is no longer relevant.
Warning Signs:
Employees may show,
Verbal expression of dissatisfaction
Doubt about their purpose or career trajectory
Indifference to recognition or promotions
6. Strained Workplace Relationships
Burnout also affects workplace relationships, which include,
Evictions or Miscommunication
At times, the employee finds emotional regulation lacking in balance due to burnout, which causes differences in opinion or conflict with others to surface more frequently.
Warning Signs:
Constant fighting or bickering
Misunderstanding or lack of cooperation.
Coworkers or supervisors who complain about it.
Isolation from the Team
Employees suffering from burnout prefer to work in isolation. Moreover, social withdrawal becomes a routine; for instance, employees skip team activities and informal gatherings.
Warning Signs:
Missing lunch breaks or team bonding events
Reduced collaboration or communication
Preference for remote work or quiet corners
How to Counter Initial Signs of Burnout
To counter employee burnout, a pragmatic and forward-looking approach is required, including,
1. Encouraging Communication
Create a safe space where employees feel comfortable discussing their mental and emotional struggles. Managers should check in regularly and show genuine concern.
Tips:
Schedule regular one-on-one meetings, as these meetings are essential for everyone because these meetings provide a productive platform and lots of time for an individual.
Develop literature and art that explores some of the themes and philosophies behind open mutual communication. By providing the incentive to speak without feeling ashamed about personal issues, employees can freely say if they would have preferred to carry their problems in isolation. While instilling this reminder in employees, it is good to treat it as part of the case rather than the whole sack falling on them on a single occasion.
Practice empathetic listening
Avoid judgment and maintain confidentiality
2. Make Work-Life Balance a Goal
Employees should not be set upon with unrealistic expectations. They should be encouraged to take regular breaks, enjoy flexible hours, and take time off.
Recommendations include:
Avoid after-hours emails
Set reasonable performance goal
Encourage taking vacations and digital detoxes
3. Give Mental Health Resources
Invest in health and wellness programs and counseling services aimed at helping employees who can use the facilities without facing stigma.
Recommendations for implementation include:
Engage with mental health professionals
Workshops on stress management
Communicate available programs such as the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
“Prevention is Better than Cure
Burnout does not develop in a matter of days. It builds up over time without notice until it is severe. Early on, proactive observation and compassionate leadership usually identify early warning signs and prompt action.
Employees are the lifeblood of any organization, and should be a strategic prerogative. Creating a culture of openness, empathy, and balance would not only avert burnout but also create the foundation for productivity, loyalty, and innovation.
Role of SehatYab in Identifying Early Warning Signs of Employee Burnout
Incorporating technology and professional mental health support is key to identifying burnout early. SehatYab is an online mental health platform that offers counselling and psychiatric services that can support both employees and employers in preventing and addressing burnout. By offering access to licensed therapists, regular mental health assessments, and confidential online consultations, SehatYab enables employees to seek timely support for stress, fatigue, and emotional exhaustion.
