As we approach the Christmas break and another year starts to wrap up, many people are starting to feel the effects of burnout at work. But what is burnout? From Mental Health UK, burnout is defined as a ‘state of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion. It can occur when you experience long-term stress and feel under constant pressure.’ Burnout has become a significant concern in today’s fast-paced, output-driven workplaces and it comes as no shock to hear many struggle with fatigue, emotional exhaustion and disengagement.
Not only that. With remote and hybrid working the norm in most of today’s workplaces, building interpersonal relations, which for years enabled a work-life balance within the physical workplace, is becoming far less common. As a result, remote employees often feel a sense of isolation, especially in the most stressful of situations.
But there’s hope. With a more effective and strategic approach to employee wellbeing and individual resilience, we can begin to combat burnout, fostering a healthier work-life balance.
Understanding burnout at work
Burnout occurs when people feel physically and emotionally drained from prolonged stress that can lead to exhaustion, frustration and a sense of being ineffective. It’s not just about feeling tired—it’s a deep, persistent sense of being overwhelmed that affects both mental health and productivity. Ultimately, when people work tirelessly without a break, they feel burnt out.
The symptoms of burnout are easy to overlook, especially now that remote working is the norm. They can include physical exhaustion, lack of motivation, irritability and difficulty concentrating. People might also experience a sense of detachment from their work, feeling like they’re going through the motions without passion. The causes of burnout often stem from factors like long hours, unrealistic expectations, lack of support and the inability to disconnect from work.
The role of employers in preventing burnout
To prevent burnout, employers must create clear strategies, define responsibilities and set decision-making parameters. Investing in leadership development ensures employees have the necessary skills to perform their roles effectively and confidently. A positive culture that promotes open and honest conversations is vital for resolving conflicts and managing stress. Encouraging difficult conversations helps prevent issues from escalating and enables healthy working relationships. Also, empowering employees to set boundaries and providing the tools for confidence-building can alleviate pressures.
A supportive work environment is crucial; where mental health is openly discussed and resources are available to help manage anxiety. Offering flexible work hours, mental health support, team-building days away from the office and access to counselling services are key measures that can reduce stress and prevent burnout. By providing the right resources and maintaining a well-rounded approach, employers can create a workplace that supports well-being and minimises the risk of burnout before it takes hold.
It can be hard to know where to start when looking to implement this type of approach in your workplace. Thankfully there are measures that leaders can take to grow the capabilities to effectively influence organisational culture. For example, leadership, management and coaching programmes are widely available at expert learning and development institutes such as Roffey Park.
The impact on mental health and work life
Burnout doesn’t just affect our work—it spills over into every aspect of life. It can lead to anxiety, depression and a decline in overall well-being. As the pressure builds, people might find themselves losing interest in things that once brought joy, including hobbies or spending time with loved ones.
For organisations, burnout translates to lower productivity, higher employee turnover rates and a toxic work environment. It’s a cycle that affects both the individual and the community. That’s why fostering a positive work culture and growing individual resilience is crucial—not just for our mental health but for the well-being of the people around us and the success of the workplace as a whole.
Tips to overcome burnout
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from stress and adversity and it’s a key factor in overcoming burnout. It’s about cultivating a mindset that helps us manage difficult thoughts and emotions. Fortunately, resilience is something we can develop with effective coaching and practice. Here’s how.
Mindset Shifts: Resilience starts with our thoughts. Adopting a growth mindset—believing that we can learn and grow from challenges—can shift the way we approach work and stress. Reframing negative thoughts and focusing on solutions, rather than problems, helps to prevent us from getting overwhelmed.
Self-Care Practices: Mental health relies heavily on physical health. Simple self-care habits like regular exercise, proper nutrition and adequate sleep can significantly improve resilience. Taking breaks during the workday, even for just a few minutes, helps reset your mind and body.
Time Management: One of the biggest contributors to burnout is feeling like there’s never enough time. Prioritising tasks and setting clear boundaries is essential. Resilience involves recognising that we can’t do everything at once and it’s okay to ask for help when needed.
Setting Boundaries: It’s important to establish boundaries between work and life. This includes knowing when to turn off work emails, saying no to extra tasks when overwhelmed and allowing time for rest and relaxation.
Seeking Support: Resilience doesn’t mean doing everything alone. Connecting with others—whether it’s through a community at work, family support or professional help—can provide a vital source of strength. A support system helps us stay grounded and offers encouragement when things feel tough.
Building a resilient community at work
Resilience is not just an individual effort—it’s a collective one. A supportive work culture, where people feel safe to share their struggles and offer help to others, is essential for preventing burnout. When people feel like they belong to a community that values their well-being, they are more likely to thrive, even in high-pressure environments.
Creating a community that supports mental health includes celebrating achievements, no matter how small and fostering connections between colleagues. When people work together and lean on each other, they can share the weight of challenges and celebrate resilience together.
It’s ok to talk
If you’re feeling burnt out, remember that you’re not alone. Reach out to those around you for support and take steps to protect your time, energy and well-being. Building resilience isn’t a quick fix—it’s a lifelong practice that will help you navigate challenges at work and in life and it is always much harder doing it alone.
Start small, take care of yourself and lean on your community. Your resilience will grow with each step you take toward better mental health and a balanced life.
