The definition of burnout is “a state of physical or mental exhaustion caused by chronic overwork or stress.” But burnout isn’t caused by a one-time situation. Instead, it’sInstead, it’s the result of various factors that build up over time.
There are three main types of burnout: work-related burnout, relationship burnout, and self-care burnout. Work-related burnout is the most common type of burnout. It’s caused by chronic stress at work, such as unrealistic deadlines, excessive workloads, and lack of control over one’s career. Relationship burnout is caused by tension in personal relationships, such as conflict with a partner or family member. Self-care burnout is caused by neglecting one’s needs, such as rest. Another way to put this is burnout is the intersection between personal wellness, team wellness, and system wellness.
So many people acknowledge they are burnt out. However, they often lack insight into the bigger picture as to why one is feeling exhausted. A one-time situation does not simply cause it, but rather various factors that have built up over time. Some common causes of work-related burnout relate to your work and team culture.
1) Lack Of Autonomy
It can be highly frustrating when you’re hired for a job and then not allowed to do the work you were hired to do. Not having enough control over your work can be very discouraging, whether it’s due to working long hours, unrealistic deadlines, or a high-stress level. If you feel you’re unable to show your true potential at work, it might be time to discuss it with your boss. Sometimes, it takes a little clarification about your expectations to set yourself up for success. You may also need to ask for more challenging assignments to stretch yourself professionally. Whatever the case, you must advocate for yourself and ensure that you’re fulfilling the role you were hired to fill. Otherwise, you’ll never reach your full potential and might eventually become resentful of your job. If you have exhausted all options to deal with the frustration, it is likely time to start looking for a new job.
2) Being Taken For Granted
Being taken for granted in relationships can be frustrating and stressful. It can be hard to feel like just a number, and your presence is taken for granted. This can also lead to burnout when you are in compromising work situations. However, there are ways to prevent this from happening. First, try to build a stronger relationship with your boss or supervisor. Please get to know them personally and tell them you are reliable and trustworthy. Secondly, don’t be afraid to speak up if you feel you are being taken advantage of. If you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed, tell your boss or supervisor. Lastly, take some time for yourself outside of work. Make sure to schedule some “me time” to recharge and relax. By taking these steps, you can prevent burnout and reduce stress.
3) A lack of support
A lack of support at work can lead to burnout for employees. This could be from a lack of help from colleagues or feeling isolated in your role. A lack of support can also come from feeling like you cannot meet the demands of your job or that your appointment is not fulfilling. A lack of support can lead to feeling overwhelmed and stressed, which can eventually lead to burnout.
4) A mismatch between your values and the company’s values:
As our values guide us in making big and small decisions, it’s no surprise that they also influence how satisfied we are with our work. When our values align with our employer’s values, we’re more likely to feel good about our work and be fulfilled in our careers. But when there’s a mismatch between our values and the company’s, it can cause a lot of internal conflicts and make it difficult to feel fulfilled in our work. This constant internal (and possibly external) struggle can contribute to burnout. It’s essential to be aware of your values and to find an employer whose values align with yours.
5) Poor leadership
When talking about organizations, good leadership is essential for several reasons. Not only can it help to promote a positive work environment, but it can also lead to increased productivity and motivation among employees. However, poor leadership can have the opposite effect, causing burnout and disillusionment. In particular, it can be very disheartening for employees if leaders are unsupportive or unclear in their vision. This can lead to a loss of motivation and eventually to burnout. Therefore, leaders need to provide support and clarity within an organization to avoid these negative consequences.
Burnout is a result of multiple challenges over time, which can occur in any aspect of your life, whether in your physical, social, environmental, intellectual, spiritual, financial, emotional, and relationship health.