Recognising and Managing Workplace Burnout

This article is brought to you by WorkingWell Counsellor, Prabha

Are you regularly spending your personal time catching up on work? Do you feel that no matter how much you do you’re always behind? Is it hard to feel enthusiastic about spending time with family and friends or engaging in hobbies? If so, it might be time to pause and reflect on how work is impacting your wellbeing.

Burnout is on the rise in Australia (Sadler, 2024). It manifests as exhaustion, disconnection and dissatisfaction and affects various aspects of life, including work life (BeyondBlue, n.d.). Burnout is not the same as stress, although ongoing stress can lead to burnout.

One of the main causes of burnout is an unhealthy workload sustained over an extended period (BeyondBlue, n.d.). If this sounds familiar, consider discussing your concerns with your manager. Taking a break from work can also provide short-term relief and space for reflection, however, sustainable change requires assessing and adjusting the expectations placed on you. These expectations may come from your employer or yourself, and it’s important to differentiate between the two.

Many people hesitate to seek support due to feelings of inadequacy or weakness. You may blame yourself for not being smart, qualified, or capable enough. However, the issues impacting your wellbeing could be related to the nature of your work, your workload, the working environment, or a combination of these factors.

Speaking with a counsellor can help you explore these pressures and implement practical strategies for meaningful change. Reaching out to a trusted friend or family member can also be a helpful start.

As difficult as it may feel to take that first step, it does get easier once you seek support. Be brave. You are worth it.

Need support with work-related stress or burnout? Talking to someone can truly make a difference. Connect with a WorkingWell counsellor and take that first step today.

References
BeyondBlue. (n.d.). Burnout and mental health.
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/work/burnout

Sadler, D. (2024). Burnout at ‘alarming levels’ in Australia, report finds.
https://ia.acs.org.au/article/2024/burnout-at-alarming-levels-in-australia-report-finds.html