Employee Burnout

Summary: "I'm burned-out!" Stress and burnout in the workplace has a direct impact on the physical and emotional health of the employee and on workplace productivity. Persistent emotional exhaustion, physical fatigue, and cognitive weariness not only negatively effect an employee's physical health, they affect family life as well. Studies show that employee burnout can lead to

• Increased risk for cardiovascular disease
• Sleep disorders
• Extreme physical, mental and emotional fatigue

Here are a few issues and concerns you may want to address within yourself:

• Do you have difficulty saying "no" at work, at home, or to community volunteer activities?
• Do you have unrealistic expectations from associates and employers?
• Do you have difficulty balancing your personal and professional life?

Here are a few issues and concerns you may want to discuss with your employer:

• Lessening the workload
• Reducing overtime
• Decreasing company or peer socialization and collegiality
• Flexible work arrival and departure times
• Work-from-home options

Here are a few suggestions employees can explore with their employers:

• Encourage employees to take time off, to take vacations
• Consider flexible work arrangements
• Consider using telecommuting programs
• Offer programs to reduce the stresses of balancing work and family commitments
• Reduce personal conflicts on the job
• Give employees adequate control over how they do their work
• Support employees' efforts
• Recognize and reward employees for their accomplishments and contributions

Something to Think About...

• Nearly 50% of employees say that their jobs are very or extremely stressful
• 50% of employees say job stress reduces their productivity
• Employees who report high stress are three times more likely to suffer from frequent illness and contribute to increased absenteeism
• 1 in 10 employees experience job burnout