We often hear colleagues saying how they feel tired, stressed or have a lot going on, but at what point do we need to intervene and address something that may have more long-term damaging effects : employee burnout - what are the signs we may be missing?
It is thought there are over 22,000 searches for ‘burnout’ every month on Google and it is something that 22% of UK adults say they have experienced in their jobs. But unlike some other medical conditions such as back ache or skin disorders, burnout can be a lot more difficult to identify amongst your employees.
This is especially true as people may try to put on a brave face and continue pushing on with their work for fear of losing their job. It is also quite common for the individual themselves to not actually know they are suffering from burnout.
6 Hidden Signs of Employee Burnout
Here are 6 hidden signs to watch out for in the workplace which may point to an employee potentially suffering from burnout.
#1 They Are Making More Mistakes Than Normal
When someone is suffering from burnout, they may have more difficulties with focusing, decision-making or memory. This can often manifest in them making more mistakes than normal such as cc:ing the wrong person in an email or forgetting to do a task previously agreed.
If you’re having to pull up certain individuals on their work progress more than normal, take a step back and see if they may be on the brink of burnout. Even if their workload is the same as others who are seemingly ‘fine’, remember everyone’s level of resilience is different and you don’t know what other physical or mental stress they may be under outside of work.
#2 Their Sense of Humour Has Seemed To Have Shrivelled Up & Died
Are certain team members appearing more cynical and distant than normal. Do you say something in jest and it gets taken the wrong way? If a colleague who would normally appreciate this jovial chat is now more dismissive or disengaged, it may be their bodies and minds have started to check out in a bid to protect them.
When people feel drained and unable to cope, it is very hard to maintain a sense of humour. If someone is unusually unamused, don’t take it personally, instead see it as a sign that they could be struggling and check in with them.
Want to help your team before its too late? Check out our Stress support webinar 'When there is too much on your plate'.
#4 They Are Taking More Sick Days, Seemingly Not Stress Related
Initially it is fairly rare for someone to call in sick and say outright that they are burnt out. Usually, it manifests itself initially in physical symptoms such as headaches and stomach pains. Burnout can also result in lowered immunity as your body is struggling to replenish the resources used by being in ‘fight or flight’ mode for too long. This may mean that colleagues who are not often off work sick, are taking time off more frequently.
Tied in with this may be reduced motivation and job satisfaction and feelings of incompetence or disillusionment with the job which are further pushing these people to take time off work. It is a good idea to check in with each employee when they come back from a period of sickness absence and start an honest conversation.
#4 They Are Declining More Social Events Than Before
Social withdrawal is common amongst those experiencing burnout. Feelings of detachment and wanting to ‘run away’ may mean someone is less likely to join in social activities at work.
Burnout can lead to feeling disconnected or detached from others, often resulting in social withdrawal or a lack of interest in interpersonal relationships. If there are certain members of staff who would often be there at after-work drinks who are now excusing themselves, it is worth noting this and finding an opportunity to chat. If there isn’t an obvious reason for their unusual lack of participation such as a new baby or relocation, do take the time to check how they are getting on.
#5 Their Creative Spark Has Gone Out
When our brains are on constant high alert and the stress response is engaged, it becomes almost impossible for us to be creative and come up with new innovative ideas. People on the brink of burnout will be so physically and mentally exhausted that the process of engaging that creative spark is very challenging.
In the workplace this may mean that they struggle to come up with creative solutions or think creatively. If you identify a team member who is usually spouting off new ideas but is now seemingly just going through the same motions, this could be a red flag. If this coincides with other symptoms, it may be worth addressing how they are feeling.
#6 They Have A More Negative Outlook on Everything
Burnout can cause a shift in attitude towards a more negative outlook on life, often resulting in irritability, cynicism, or pessimism.
This is closely linked with #2, lack of sense of humour, as they tend to be more low-spirited and could be feeling quite depressed. Perhaps they have become that person to put a downer on anyone’s new idea or they are doubting their ability to achieve new projects.
It could also manifest in them becoming short-tempered and having more conflicts with colleagues or customers. Perhaps when giving feedback, they have suddenly become more defensive or down-hearted. Some people are naturally more this way inclined but if this negativity seems more out of character, it is certainly worth having an empathetic chat with this person.
Why is it important to address employee burnout early on?
If you suspect one of your team members may be suffering from job burnout, it is important you address it as soon as you can. It can often be tempting to delay taking action, perhaps you put it down to a particularly busy period or figure they may just be a bit more tired and irritable than normal, or you may feel you have other priorities to focus on. It could also be that you feel partially responsible for their workload but it is imperative that you start having some honest conversations.
If you delay addressing any potential signs of burnout, it is likely the problem will not just sort itself out. If you have identified some of the above more subtle signs, it may be that they will continue to progress further into full-blown burnout. This is likely to look like more days off sick, reduced productivity and potentially more conflict and lower morale.
This is obviously not just damaging to that individual but can have serious consequences on the performance of the business. If you, or others are constantly having to pick up their slack or organise cover, this is going to take its toll on the organisation's profits and overall productivity. Their attitude and lack of motivation can also have a knock-on effect on other employees who may follow suit in taking a more negative stance or performing below par.
It can also greatly impact the service customers receive as a burnt out employee may not be in a position to offer positive experiences to clients at the level expected.
This can all lead to building up of frustrations from all parties and if not addressed can often lead to long-periods signed of work. The sooner potential burnout is addressed, the reduced likelihood of it having a negative impact and the higher the chance of a speedier recovery.
If you suspect someone in your team may be on the brink of burnout, it is always better to address it straight away. It is worth finding some time to chat one to one with them, ask open ended questions and just actively listen to how they are feeling. Be sure to validate any emotions they have (even if they go against how you feel) and make space for them to be honest and open up.
Remember, you don’t have to provide the solution then and there, sometimes, just practising active listening is enough to give them the security to know they are valued and are being listened to. You can discuss some interim measures such as more flexible working, taking a couple of ‘duvet days’ or helping them prioritise or delegate any immediate work.
Although it can be easy to ignore these signs, to avoid employees falling into complete burnout with a long recovery, catching it in the initial stages will help prevent any long-term damage to both them and the business.
To learn more about spotting burnout and what healthy habits everyone can adopt to prevent it reaching its peak, check out our stress management wellbeing webinar - 'When there is too much on your plate'
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