Will we be known as the generation of burnouts?

The term burnout can be heard in many conversations in today’s workforce. Countless media headlines are shared about people stepping down from high-profile positions due to feeling exhausted. 

‘I’m tired, extremely tired. In fact, I’m exhausted,’ said former WA premier Mark McGowan. 

‘I’m done. I’m cooked,’ said Richmond Tigers coach Damian Hardwick. 

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she no longer had ‘enough in the tank.’

Tennis superstar Amanda Anisimova said: ‘It's become unbearable being at tennis tournaments.’ She has taken an indefinite break, citing burnout as the reason.

What is burnout at work?

A survey by The Conversation showed that 50% of prime-aged workers in Australia (between 22 and 55 years old) feel exhausted at work. But it seems every industry and every generation has been impacted by burnout. No matter your line of work or position within an organisation, burnout does not discriminate. 

The World Health Organisation describes burnout as ‘chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.’ They identified 3 dimensions of the condition:

• Chronic exhaustion: Feeling physically and emotionally drained, or tired and overwhelmed.

• Chronic cynicism: A state where you start to feel less empathy towards colleagues and clients. You may start to distance yourself from those around you at work.

• Inefficacy: Feeling like you are ineffective in your job and taking on a more negative mindset with regard to work.

People have always felt the effects of stress, so why does it feel like it’s become so prevalent in today’s society? 

Burnout is not just about a stressful job

People talk about how to reduce stress at work and create a more balanced work life, but burnout can be the culmination of many factors. It may be related to your lifestyle or your personality.

Lifestyle-related causes include:

• Not getting enough down time to relax and recharge

• A poor diet and lack of sleep

• Not making time for close, meaningful relationships

• Not making time to do the things you love, whether that’s learning new skills or enjoying your favourite hobbies.

Personality traits can also contribute to burning out. One study by McCrae & Costa highlights the ‘Big Five’ personality traits of people who are more prone to burnout.

1. High levels of neuroticism

Neuroticism reflects someone’s lack of emotional balance and impulse control. People with high levels of neuroticism may experience negative feelings and anxiety when trying to manage situations,  resulting in delayed actions or denial.

2. Less agreeable

To be agreeable is to be cooperative, sympathetic, tolerant and forgiving towards others. They are more likely to avoid competition, conflict and pressure.

3. Conscientiousness

Someone who is conscientious likes to follow the rules. They are precise, organised and disciplined, and they work hard to succeed.

4. Extraversion

Extraversion relates to “the quantity and intensity of individual social interaction characteristics.” Someone with this trait might be more social, talkative and confident. 

5. Openness to experience

Someone who is open to experience is typically open-minded and creative. They have a natural curiosity. They like to be independent. They appreciate novelty and like to be different.

New trend alert: The 5am club

Looking for the perfect work-life balance is no easy feat. It can take a long time to achieve it, if at all. There are many theories from people who claim to have found the solution and want to coach others. 

A recent example is the trending 5am club, a concept established by author and self-improvement guru Robin Sharma. He believes that by starting your day at 5am, you have the opportunity to ‘fuel your mind, body and soul.’ This is said to lead to personal growth and greater productivity. Sharma says that by following this routine, you are maximising your time and creating ‘an environment encouraging success.’

This might work well for some, but an earlier start for others might also lead to an increase in tiredness, which could lead to burnout. It comes down to the individual. Typically, we’re either early risers or night owls. We all function best at different times of the day. 

Final thoughts

Whether you are prone to burnout due to a high-pressure job or display all the traits of someone more likely to feel the effects, it’s up to you to make choices that put your wellbeing first. By doing this you are more likely to achieve work-life balance and avoid burnout. 

Choosing to personalise work and make work work for you is a great approach. This is about finding what is best for you and your family. Does remote work help you juggle your responsibilities more efficiently? Or maybe you’re someone who needs human contact to feel productive and motivated to perform.

Let’s not be a generation of burnouts. Let’s help each other find a balance and continue to enjoy work with meaning.

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