A Gallup poll in 2012 revealed that 87 percent of U.S. workers identified themselves as “not engaged” or “actively disengaged” with their work, largely attributed to a common problem: Burnout.
With the burned out outnumbering the non-burned by more than two-to-one, it’s obvious burnout is a major problem affecting businesses’ bottom line. What’s less obvious is the effect it has on workers, though.
It’s important to recognize that burnout-induced stress levels have an effect on workers’ health, as well as their moods and relationships, according to the Association for Psychological Science. Burnout can hamper your ability to sleep or concentrate, and could eventually lead to more outward health problems.
Equally important, if the problem is to be resolved, is to determine what kind of burnout you’re suffering from.
The group identified three distinct types of burnout, where jobs are concerned: Overload, lack of development and neglect.
Overload burnout is related to that frenetic employee who works toward success until exhaustion. That usually is accompanied by emotional venting and, ultimately, breakdowns.
Lack of development involves workers managing their stress by distancing themselves from work, which leads more often to depersonalization and cynicism.
Neglect, or “worn out” burnout comes from lack of motivation to plow through barriers to a goal, as workers teeter close to resignation, according to APS. Identifying what kind of burnout you’re suffering from, the group says, will allow you to adopt coping mechanisms that are more effective while eschewing those that are not.
HelpGuide.org, a national nonprofit that focuses on mental health and wellness, has put together some of the more effective ideas for dealing with job stress. The most extreme is “quit doing what you’re doing and do something else, even if it means changing jobs or changing careers.”
If that’s not an option, the group has a few ideas to change up your job without changing employers. From HelpGuide’s website:
Actively address problems. Take a proactive approach to issues in your workplace, including stress at work. You’ll feel less helpless if you assert yourself and express your needs. If you don’t have the authority or resources to solve the problem, talk to a superior.
Clarify your job description. Ask your boss for an updated description of your job duties and responsibilities. Point out things you’re expected to do that are not part of your job description and gain a little leverage by showing that you’ve been putting in work over and above the parameters of your job.
Ask for new duties. If you’ve been doing the exact same work for a long time, ask to try something new: a different grade level, a different sales territory, a different machine.
Take time off. If burnout seems inevitable, take a complete break from work. Go on vacation, use up your sick days, ask for a temporary leave-of-absence ““ anything to remove yourself from the situation. Use the time away to recharge your batteries and take perspective.