"How to Recognize Workplace Burnout: 5 Warning Signs to Watch For"

Victoria Roman
Aug 19, 2024
2 min read

Burnout is not a mental health diagnosis, but it does significantly impact your mental well-being. It goes beyond feeling exhausted after a long day of meetings or irritated with a coworker; it's more than hitting snooze in the morning or wanting to call in sick. Burnout is defined by Webster's Dictionary as a "physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress."

So, what is the difference between stress and burnout? Stress can occur when our workload increases, but we still feel like we can manage it or "catch up." Burnout happens after we've been under stress for a prolonged period and start to feel hopeless as if nothing we do will make a difference.

If you're wondering if you've reached the level of burnout, here are five warning signs to look out for:

You become disconnected from your workplace.
Your days begin to run together.
Every day feels like a bad day, even when it’s not.
No matter how much effort you put in, it never feels enough.
A restful night's sleep becomes a thing of the past.

Still unsure if you're experiencing workplace burnout? Ask yourself these questions:

Do you experience feelings of helplessness, irritability, or sadness more frequently than usual about your work?
Have you noticed any physical symptoms, such as headaches, gastrointestinal issues, or frequent colds, that you believe might be related to job stress?
Have you experienced changes in your sleep patterns, such as trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling unrested?
Are you struggling to maintain a healthy balance between your work and personal life?
Have you noticed a significant decrease in your motivation to go to work or to complete work-related tasks?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you might be experiencing burnout and could benefit from support. Whether it's seeking a therapist, speaking with your boss, or utilizing your company's EAP program, burnout can be managed and even resolved!