The Consequences of Work Burnout & Ways to Deal With It


In 2020, many businesses suffered huge losses due to the covid-19 pandemic. When things began to subside, most companies tried and are still trying to compensate for the lost revenues. However, many of their employees worked so hard that their bodies and minds could not cope with it.

As such, it has led to work burnout. A study conducted by VisierOpens in a new tab. on 1000 employees revealed that 89% of them suffer from burnout. And worse is that a vast number experience the symptoms all the time.

So how do you tell you’re suffering from burnout? Symptoms include fatigue, insomnia, feeling cynical when you wake up in the morning, and lack of motivation.

Most people turn to food and or drugs to cope with these symptoms. Note that burnout can make you not want to move forward, even after trying to motivate yourself.

If this situation sounds familiar, you aren’t alone. Statistics by Gallup reveal that 23% of people experience work burnout frequently, and 44% feel it occasionally. Resulting in more than 2/3 of individuals experiencing work burnout.

Work burnout is common. However, quitting your job is not your only solution. There are various things you can do to help reduce fatigue and feel motivated.

If you are a manager, don’t leave the responsibility of managing work burnout to the employee alone. You should also play your part in reducing work burnout.

This article shares some of the most effective ways of dealing with work burnout. Read on to learn about them.

What Causes Work Burnout?


Of course, the Covid-19 played a massive role in increased cases of work burnout. However, it’s just among the factors. Other things that can cause work burnout include;

Too Much Workload

Having a workload that helps you get the job done effectively while giving you periods of rest. However, when you’re overloaded with work, you don’t have time to rest, which can quickly lead to work burnout.

Unfair Reward

A person who feels not compensated enough for their job can quickly think they are overworked and that their investment is not paying off.

Perceived Lack of Control

It’s easy to be overwhelmed when you feel you have no say in decisions that impact your job. It can make you feel unmotivated and have less desire for working.

Unsupportive Community

If our environment is not supportive and trustworthy, you may suffer burnout. However, this is beyond your control since you can’t choose your clients and co-workers.

Unfairness at work

When a person feels like they are not treated fairly, it can contribute to burnout.

Undefined Job Expectations

One can become uncomfortable with their job if they are unsure of what is expected of them.

The Consequences of Burnout


Burnout affects an individual’s brain circuit and interferes with neurological function. Therefore, if someone experiences burnout, their brain changes, and they start functioning with a different mindset. Often, they will be less focused, innovative, and sharp. Burnout leaves people unproductive.

Other things resulting from unaddressed burnout include stress, sadness, type 2 diabetes, substance abuse, insomnia, etc. So, as you can see, burnout is a serious issue that needs to be addressed early. Otherwise, it will impact your long-term health negatively.

But how do you address work burnout? The first thing most employers do is give their employees a break. They can use this time to unwind from the pressure they experience at work. Well, many companies have used this approach. For instance, LinkedIn gave their full-time employees a paid week off.

However, the problem is that the number of hours is just one factor that causes burnout. The other is the workload and workers’ overall experience.

Generally, managers need to ensure that their workers feel motivated, appreciated, and supported. Plus, they should also make them aware that work overload affects their overall wellbeing and health.

Here is how to get started on this;

Allow Employees to Unwind After Work

Can you believe that many employees still engage in work duties even when they are off? That’s because managers haven’t emphasized the importance of taking a break from work. So, most times, even if they don’t have to, workers will find themselves working.

Leaders should give their employees time to feel refreshed. That means that they don’t send emails at night or during the weekends. Note that sending an email during off-hours can make employees stressed as they are likely to feel you expect them to respond promptly.

If you’re sending emails at these times, ensure that you inform team members that they don’t have to respond immediately if they receive an email outside work hours.

Show Your Workers That You Care

Start by offering flexibility to the employees’ working environment and how they work. Also, make sure you communicate clearly and allow them to provide feedback. Doing this creates a great working environment where they feel free to express themselves and know what is required.

Managers can conduct one on one conversations with their employees and take time to encourage them while letting them share ideas and concerns.

What Can Employees Do?

Establish New Relationships with Other Co-workers

Dealing with work burnout on your own can worsen your symptoms. So, if you are not working remotely, surround yourself with colleagues that also want to improve their work lives. These people can be your support system. However, make sure that they have a positive mindset. Otherwise, they can make you lose focus and feel less motivated.

Get Enough Rest

We react differently to stress. Some people will turn into food and others drug and alcohol for support. Others will binge-watch their favorite shows, hoping to forget their stress. However, these activities don’t cure burnout. They can exacerbate it. So instead of eating a bag of chips, reach out for a healthier meal. Also, make sure you get enough sleep, at least between 6-8 hours a night.

Look for Ways to Make Work More Fun

Too much workload can make you hate your job, especially if you have to execute it in a manner that you don’t enjoy. You can solve this by looking for ways that make your job more fun. For example, if you have a games area at your workplace, take regular breaks from your desk to clear your mind.

Also, create a tradition with your co-workers that boosts happiness. This can be anything that brings a smile to your face. For instance, you can decide to gift each other regularly.

Additionally, you can join a team club like a baking club or a softball team with your co-workers.

Steve Todd

Steve Todd, founder of Open Sourced Workplace and is a recognized thought leader in workplace strategy and the future of work. With a passion for work from anywhere, Steve has successfully implemented transformative strategies that enhance productivity and employee satisfaction. Through Open Sourced Workplace, he fosters collaboration among HR, facilities management, technology, and real estate professionals, providing valuable insights and resources. As a speaker and contributor to various publications, Steve remains dedicated to staying at the forefront of workplace innovation, helping organizations thrive in today's dynamic work environment.

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