66% of leaders when surveyed say that they have suffered from burnout during their career. But what exactly is burnout and how can you overcome it?
What is Burnout:
The World Health Organisation (WHO) describes Burn-Out as an occupational phenomenon resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. Although not a medical condition, it can have a serious impact on your health, if left unmanaged.
Symptoms of Burnout:
During your career as a leader, you will experience times of high stress. However, it is essential to recognise symptoms of burn-out to prevent stress periods from developing into something more serious. The WHO categorises burnout by the following three dimensions:
- Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion;
- Increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job; and
- Reduced professional efficacy.
Burnout and Leaders
As a leader, you are under pressure to constantly perform at a high level. There are expectations to be passionate, pioneering, and help take their organisations to new heights. Burnout can leave leaders feeling hopeless, cynical, resentful, and low on energy and productivity. Burnout may even lead to feelings of hopelessness and reduced productivity.
Despite the warning signs, most leaders choose to ignore the adverse effects and continue at the destructive pace that ultimately affects their work and personal lives. But avoiding burnout does not mean that you must give up your job and stay home. Try these easy tips to overcome and avoid burnout as a leader.
Four ways to counteract Burnout:
Humanity First
Remember that you are human, and it is not possible to perform at a high level all the time. Humans need rest and recovery to ensure they can perform at their best. Be kind to yourself.
Unplug
During the digital age and the increase of work from home, it can be hard to unplug leading to higher levels of burnout. Encourage your team (including you) to unplug from work outside of work hours.
Collaborate
Create a culture of collaboration within your organisation to share the workload and encourage innovation.
Wellness
Support yourself and your team and take part in activities and make choices that lead to a state of greater health and well-being.
Invest in your wellness with the wellness module from LDP Online from Ingenium. Learn how to create and sustain personal energy, enthusiasm, and motivation through a combination of complementary ‘Body, Mind and Spiritual’ techniques to achieve balance and well-being. Find out more about Wellness as part of the LDP here.
