15 Ways To Identify And Overcome Workplace Burnout

Linda Reyes Forbes Coaches Counsel

Job burnout happens to the best of us. You are pushing yourself to the limits and not getting enough of a break to balance the effects of stress. The good news is that a growing number of employers are becoming proactive in their approach to helping employees deal with job burnout.

According to Statista, 23% of employees reported that their company offered a burnout prevention program and another 13% provided a reintegration program. This shows that companies are coming to the realization that employees need to reduce stress levels in order to give their best performance at work.

In case your employer doesn’t offer these burnout programs,15 members of Forbes Coaches Council provide some of the tell-tale signs that someone is beginning to experience burnout at work and what can they do to overcome it. Here is what they had to say:

1. Take A Proactive, Multi-Prong Approach

Tell-tale signs can be subtle. An organized person starts forgetting minor details and milestones.  An opinionated person is suddenly quiet in meetings. Overcoming burnout requires a proactive, multi-prong approach. Reach out and ask trusted sources for help. Tell people what you need. Delegate. Stop and reprioritize. Incorporate self-care activities, celebrate small wins. – Christie Lindor, The MECE Muse

2. Prioritize Your Work

When we lose awareness of what is happening around us, we start to burn out. We become less present and easily get lost in our own judgments and assumptions about what is happening and what is important. Regroup your thoughts by writing down everything you are working on. Partner with your manager and prioritize what is most important now. Start from the top and identify what is feasible for you. – Alan Trivedi, Trivedi Coaching & Consulting Group

3. Build Your Energy Level

When you feel overwhelmed, the first things that suffer are your diet, exercise regimen, sleep and social life. To remedy burnout, take charge of making time for healthy activities outside of your work. Get up earlier or take a mid-day break to engage in regular cardio exercise or to mediate.  Use this renewed energy to volunteer in an area that aligns with your values and personal interest. – Beth Kuhel, Get Hired, LLC

4. Regain Your Inspiration

We know we are losing our mojo when tasks that normally inspire us become onerous. Recognize the signs of burnout early by asking why you feel that dip in energy. Then create a time when you can rejuvenate by doing something that engages your heart and mind. By taking a break to create and engage your spirit, you will regain your inspiration. –Loren Margolis, Training & Leadership Success LLC

5. Anchor Behaviors In The ‘Why’

If you have someone who has been coached to make a change, implemented that change then reverted back to a previous error in judgment or poor performance behavior, you now should be able to see a tell-tale burnout sign. If you cannot change their work, help them realize and attach their work to the greater good, the critical values of the organization. Anchor them in the bigger picture “why.” – John M. O’Connor, Career Pro Inc.

6. Get Focused, Man!

Getting close to an empty tank at your job? Sometimes it helps to consider your “why.” Ask yourself, “Why am I in this industry? Why did I accept this job in the first place?” This will remind you of your initial purpose. From there, concentrate on building relationships with individuals who are already where you see yourself or ask them to mentor you. Focus on the big picture! It’s worth a shot. – Monique Davis, Fresh Talent Sources

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