What is Burnout?
A process that occurs when workers perceive a discrepancy between their work input and the output they had expected from work.
Signs of burnout include:
- Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
- Physical and psychological depletion
- A sense of unending stress
- Envelopment of a negative self-concept
- Perception of little to no payoff in terms of job outcomes and achievements
- Having no participation in decisions that affect ones responsibilities
- Unrelenting and unreasonable demands for performance
- Lack of effective communication and conflict-resolution methods
- Lack of job security
- Working long hours
- Excessive time spent away from home and families
- Office politics and conflicts between workers
- Wages not commensurate with levels of responsibilities.
- Work with high emotional intensity
- Conflicting job demands
- Lack of sufficient acknowledgment, support and reward
- No clear end to one’s efforts
- Too much paperwork
- Value clashes between the individual and the organization
Physical effects include
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Increased muscle tension
- Headaches
Psychological effects include
- Increased anxiety
- Depression
- Aggression
- Confusion
Behavorial effects include
- Increased smoking
- Increased drinking
- Irritability
- Obsessive concern with trivial issues
- Poor work performance