Burnout: recognizing it before it's too late

Burnout, or professional exhaustion syndrome, is commonly defined as a "syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed." It is characterized by three dimensions.

The three dimensions of burnout

1. Emotional exhaustion: feeling of emptiness, deep fatigue that rest does not relieve
2. Depersonalization (cynicism): detachment from work, colleagues, clients
3. Reduced personal accomplishment: feeling of ineffectiveness, loss of meaning

Early warning signs

• Persistent fatigue from waking up
• Difficulty concentrating, frequent forgetfulness
• Disproportionate irritability
• Sleep disturbances (professional ruminations)
• Physical symptoms: headaches, muscle pain, digestive problems
• Gradual social isolation
• Increased use of alcohol or anxiolytics

Organizational risk factors

• Excessive and chronic workload
• Lack of autonomy and control
• Lack of recognition
• Perceived injustice at work
• Value conflicts
• Professional isolation

What to do?

• Consult a doctor at the first signs (sick leave if necessary)
• Psychotherapy (CBT, solution-focused therapies)
• Re-evaluate priorities and professional limits
• The company also has its share of responsibility: it is an organizational problem, not an individual one

Burnout is not a badge of honor. Setting your limits is not an admission of weakness.