A recent Gallup study found that out of 7,500 employees, 23% feel that they are burned out at work very often and 44% feel that they are burned out at times.
What exactly does burnout mean? Burnout is characterised by emotional exhaustion and ineffectiveness in the workplace, and by chronic negative responses to stressful workplace conditions.

Signs & symptoms of burnout

• Decreased productivity and quality of work
• Lowered levels of motivation
• Increased cynicism and complaining

Ways to avoid being burned out

• Know your strengths: Know what you are good at, and find a job that fits your skillset. If you are doing what you do best at work, you will naturally do well.
• Understand your weaknesses: Self-assessment is important and you should know what your weaknesses are, and try to overcome them or work on ways to improve them.
• Foster friendship with your colleagues: Having strong friendship at work allows you to seek advice when you need and have someone to rely on.
• Communication is key: Don’t risk having misunderstandings, or keeping frustrations to yourself. Many people feel the stress when they don’t communicate and harbour their feelings to themselves.

It’s inevitable that you will feel tried or stress at work. However, we must all have ways to de-stress and take time off to relax. If you feel that you are burned out at work, it may be time to sit down with your supervisor to discuss your situation.