Beating Burnout in the Workplace

It is essential to stay consistent while beating burnout in the workplace. This is a topic that I have been helping leaders and organizations tackle for a long time. In fact, I wrote my first book in 2007 entitled Balance Matters: Turning Burnout into Balance.

The original term “burnout” was coined in the 1970’s by Dr. Herbert Freudenberger, an alcohol and drug counselor. He found that people struggling with addiction were using drugs to the point of becoming “fried.” Based on this observation, he coined the word Burnout. He then noticed that not only could burnout apply to people who struggle with addiction, but also to those who help them.

When Christina Maslach (another leading researcher of burnout) conducted her studies, she defined burnout as “a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment that can occur among individuals who work with people in some capacity.”

Based on her research, there are 3 components of burnout:

 

1. Emotional Exhaustion – a sense of emotional fatigue, heightened anxiety and fear

2. Depersonalization – disconnection from people

3. Reduced Personal Accomplishments – a feeling of deflation

 

To avoid burnout, take care of your mind and body. Learn, grow, and invest in yourself. And perhaps most importantly, continue to have healthy relationships and connect with other people, whether it’s 1-on-1 or in groups.

If you are interested in investing in your own professional coaching and personal growth, contact me HERE.