Preventing Yourself from Burnout in Workplace

According to WHO, 264 million individuals worldwide suffer from depression, which is one of the primary causes of disability, with many of these people also experiencing anxiety symptoms. According to a recent WHO-led study, depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy $1 trillion in lost productivity each year.

Unemployment is a well-known risk factor for mental illness, but returning to, or finding a job, is a protective factor. Physical and mental health issues, harmful use of narcotics or alcohol, absenteeism, and lost productivity can result from a toxic workplace.

Workplaces that promote mental health and support people with mental disorders are more likely to reduce absenteeism, increase productivity and benefit from associated economic gains.

This fact sheet is about mental illness and problems in the workplace. It also includes issues like stress and burnout, which aren't mental diseases but can be caused or exacerbated by a job.

Work-related risk factors for health

You could found a variety of mental health risk factors that in the workplace. Most hazards stem from interactions between the nature of work, the organizational and managerial environment, employee skills and competencies, and the support provided to help them do their jobs. For example, a person may have the skills to complete tasks. Still, they may have too few resources to do what is required, or there may be unsupportive managerial or organizational practices.

Risks to mental health include:

• inadequate health and safety policies;

• poor communication and management practices;

• limited participation in decision-making or low control over one's area of work;

• low levels of support for employees;

• inflexible working hours; and

• unclear tasks or organizational objectives.

Research into burnout in the workplace recognizes employee wellbeing through four dimensions::

• Work satisfaction

• Organizational respect

• Employer care

• Work-life integration

Balancing all four factors is essential to overall employee wellbeing and reduces the likelihood of long-term and ultimately overwhelming pressure.

The following strategies can help find that balance and protect against burnout:

1. Plan your workload

It is possible to get work done while also finding time for professional growth, development, rest, and job recovery when workload and capacity are in harmony.

Assess how you are doing in each of the following activities:

Make a plan for your work

Do you have any idea what work you'll be doing? What are your plans for the coming week? Do you have a plan on how to finish a list of tasks?

Delegating task

We may be hesitant to delegate work to others, but it can be beneficial to both parties.

Learn to say no

When you have too much work to do, or someone else could do it, you must say no.

2. Letting go of perfectionism

It is not always necessary to produce perfect work; sometimes, good enough is sufficient.

If you're suffering from any of the symptoms of burnout, consider focusing on each of the tasks listed above. Taking proactive steps to minimize workload can be pretty successful in removing some of the pressures that contribute to burnout.

4. Control

Feeling out of control, a lack of autonomy and insufficient resources all impact your ability to achieve and lead to burnout.

Do you get calls from your supervisor late at night or on weekends, or do you have to respond to emails?

Consider your options for regaining control. Set a schedule for when you will be available and what resources you will require to execute your work successfully. Gaining control over your surroundings can help you feel more independent.

5. Community

To feel that you have support, you need to be a part of a community. While you may not have a say in who you work with, you may devote time and effort to improving your relationships with your coworkers and employer.

Positive team morale, in which members can rely on one another, can strengthen the team and lower the risk of burnout.

6. Fairness

Receiving respect and rewards for your accomplishments at work will help you feel fairer at work.

Make it known that you'd like to be acknowledged as a contributor or participate in showcasing some of the team's achievements.

7. Know if there's a value mismatch

"Burnout isn't just about being tired," Saunders writes (2021). If your beliefs do not fit your company's, you may need to examine whether it is time to seek new employment.

Determine whether you can find compatibility in your current position or if a different organization would be a better fit for your values.

So those are the tips that will help prevent yourself from burnout. If you would like to learn more advice for any self-development topics, you could also consult with us! Also, follow us at Instagram @baikgp and @ayureadypodcast for more information and extra insights!