7 Signs of Workplace Burnout and How to combat them
- Magalie AUGER
- May 2
- 4 min read
Do you constantly feel tired, even after a night's sleep?
Do you feel like your motivation is fading day by day?
Is your job taking a toll on your physical and mental health and you don't know how to react?
Then this article is for you!
Why is it vital to recognize the signs of burnout before it's too late?
Burnout doesn't strike overnight. It creeps in gradually, often silently, until it becomes impossible to ignore.
According to a study carried out in early 2022 by OpinionWay for the Empreinte Humaine firm, 34% of French employees are suffering from burnout , including 13% from severe burnout, or around 2.5 million people.
In 2018, Health Insurance recognized 10,000 cases of mental illness as work accidents with time off.
Take the example of Anne, a brilliant and dedicated HR director, who was always the first to arrive and the last to leave. Always connected, always available, even on weekends.
Until her body started sounding the alarm: chronic fatigue, irritability, loss of concentration... Anne ended up sinking into burnout, without even seeing the warning signs coming.
What are the risks if you ignore the signs of burnout?
Ignoring these signals can lead to serious consequences:
Mental health problems : anxiety, depression, even severe burnout.
Physical illnesses : chronic fatigue, insomnia, muscle pain, weakened immune system.
A drop in performance : loss of concentration, frequent errors, drop in productivity.
Social isolation : tensions with loved ones, withdrawal, loss of motivation in personal life.
It's like a car engine running without oil: it will run for a while, but eventually seize up and stop abruptly.
What are the 7 warning signs that your job is exhausting you?
Sign #1: You sleep, but never enough
You wake up tired, even after 8 hours of sleep.
“Sleep is the best meditation.” – Dalai Lama
Your body is no longer recovering properly, a sign that stress is preventing you from getting restful sleep. You risk chronic sleep disturbances if this problem persists.
Sign #2: You procrastinate on simple tasks
Your brain is in mental overload, unable to process even the most mundane actions.
“It’s not time that’s lacking, it’s concentration.” – Seneca
Decisions become more difficult to make, creating a vicious cycle of inertia. You lose efficiency and motivation.
Sign #3: You are constantly tense
A simple email instantly makes you angry or stressed.
Your nervous system remains constantly on alert, which quickly tires your body. You could develop anxiety disorders or high blood pressure.
Sign #4: You no longer feel satisfaction
Even successes no longer bring positive emotions.
“Happiness is not in possession, but in achievement.” – Aristotle
You lose meaning in your work, which can lead to profound disengagement. You risk feeling useless, even devalued.
Sign #5: Your personal life is suffering
Less time and energy for your loved ones or hobbies.
“Work-life balance is not a luxury, but a necessity.” – Richard Branson
Your work is eating into your leisure time, further draining your energy. You could be weakening your relationships and emotional balance.
Sign #6: You get sick often
Infections, pain, migraines… Your body is exhausting itself trying to compensate for your mental overload. “The body speaks what the mouth keeps silent.” – Boris Cyrulnik
A weakened immune system is a major warning sign of excessive stress. You risk long-term health problems.
Sign #7: You have lost the meaning of what you are doing
Your work becomes a daily burden, without a clear goal.
“He who has a why can endure any how.” – Friedrich Nietzsche
This loss of meaning can lead to total disengagement and profound discomfort.
You may end up losing all professional motivation.
How to effectively combat these signs of burnout?
Learn to set boundaries
Say no when your workload becomes excessive. Set specific times for your emails and meetings.
You will protect your personal time and reduce stress.
Reconnect with your personal values
Why do you do this work?
What are your deepest aspirations?
Take some time to reflect on what really matters to you. You'll regain a sense of motivation and clarity.
Set up times to disconnect
Turn off notifications completely outside of working hours.
Schedule screen-free time to recharge your mental batteries. You'll improve your focus and reduce stress.
Favor micro-breaks
5 to 10 minute break every hour. Breathe, stretch, or walk around a bit.
You will gain energy and concentration.
Talk to a professional
A coach, psychologist or mentor can guide you.
Reach out to a neutral third party who can offer you an outside perspective. You'll identify solutions tailored to your situation.
Are these solutions suitable for all contexts?
Yes, whether you're an executive, HR director, or manager, these strategies are suitable for all professional profiles. The key lies in adapting them to your specific context and personal constraints.
What are the prerequisites for recovering from burnout?
Be aware of the warning signs.
Be prepared to review your priorities.
Allow yourself to ask for outside help.
What are the key success factors for finding a work-life balance?
Know how to set clear boundaries.
Reconnect with your deepest values.
Take regular breaks.
Maintain open communication with loved ones and colleagues.
Be accompanied by a professional if necessary.
In short: What do you need to know to avoid burnout?
Identify warning signs at the first symptoms.
Learn to set clear boundaries between your professional and personal life.
Reconnect with your values to find meaning.
Take regular breaks to recharge your energy.
Get someone to accompany you if necessary.
Need help regaining your energy and preventing burnout ?
Your mental health is precious, it's time to take action before your body says stop.
Do not hesitate to call on my professional coaching and mentoring services to support you in this process.
Book your free Discovery Appointment with me now:
Sources of the article:
Everything you need to know about burnout, professional exhaustion syndrome: https://www.frm.org/fr/diseases/research-diseases-neurological/burn-out/focus-burn-out
The grim figures of a discreet epidemic : https://vaincreleburnout.fr/chiffres-cles/
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