Signs of Burnout

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. It can significantly impact individual wellbeing and productivity, manifesting in feelings of cynicism, inefficiency, reduced motivation and decreased job satisfaction and performance. Burnout affects not only the individual, but organisations at large.

Employees experiencing burnout are more likely to take sick leave, make errors, and contemplate leaving their jobs. This in turn can have a ripple effect on overall workplace dynamics and team morale. 

A recent study showed that Australian workers are reporting the highest burnout rates in the world, with 61% of Australian workers experiencing burnout, compared to the global average of 48%. This shows an increase of 5% from 2021 to 2022, with burnout being attributed to 40% of employee resignations. This is costing the Australian economy an estimated $14 billion annually. 

It’s in everyone’s best interest to proactively mitigate burnout and promote a healthy working environment. The first step, is recognising the signs.

Self-care is anything that you do for yourself, to contribute to your overall health and wellbeing. In the workplace, self-care is an effective strategy used to manage stress, maintain a positive work-life balance, and prevent burnout. When our teams prioritise self-care, they’re better equipped to handle challenges, maintain focus, and sustain high performance over the long term.

Set boundaries ⏰ 

Establish clear boundaries between work and personal time. Encourage your teams to define specific work hours, and avoiding sending emails or making work calls outside of those hours.

Prioritise breaks 😌

Schedule regular breaks throughout the day, encouraging your teams to use these breaks to stretch, walk around, or simply relax and clear your mind. Even short breaks can help to rejuvenate your energy and improve concentration.

Practice mindfulness 🧘 

Schedule mindfulness sessions throughout the day, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or short movement sessions. These practices can help to reduce stress and enhance our ability to stay focused. It’s also a great way to encourage individuals to check in with themselves, slow down and be present.

Stay hydrated and eat well 🥗 

Nourishing our bodies with proper nutrition and hydration is essential for maintaining energy levels and overall health. If it’s possible, consider providing fresh fruit or healthy snacks for your workplace.

Move your body 🤾‍♀️

Physical activity is key for both physical and mental wellbeing. Create opportunities for your team to incorporate movement throughout the day, whether it’s taking a walk at lunch, or organising a group stretch or mobility class.

Prioritise tasks 💻 

Time management techniques are a great way to prioritise tasks and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Run a lunch and learn with your team, sharing how they can break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps and tackle them one at a time.

Seek help when needed 🙋

We have a tendency to be reactive, rather than proactive, when it comes to our mental health. If you, or anyone in your workplace, are experiencing feelings of stress or anxiety, encourage checking in with a counsellor or one of our experienced therapists on the Leora app.

Leora offers a library of self-care resources designed to empower self-guided wellbeing and resilience. Whether you’re exploring mindfulness, looking to better manage stress or improve your mental and emotional health, our carefully selected library of resources will provide the support you guidance you need to thrive.

There’s something for everyone, for every stage of your day.

Feeling stressed? ➡️ explore our range of calming audios ✨

Restless? ➡️ tune into our collections for deep sleep 🔊

Mind wandering? ➡️ plug into guided meditations ☁️

Curious? ➡️ challenge your mindset with our thought-provoking podcasts 📚

Stiff and sore? ➡️ get moving with our restorative yoga flows 🧘

Leora is 100% confidential, providing your teams access to a network of accredited and experienced therapists. You can book a therapy session or seek immediate support via the Live Chat with a Counsellor. Plus, enjoy a library of wellness resources and self-guided solutions – all from the convenience of your smart phone. 

Leora is a workplace wellness platform that enables employees access to a network of accredited and experienced therapists. Through one connected wellbeing platform, users can schedule therapy appointments, seek immediate advice from qualified counsellors and utilise a library of wellness resources. Contact us to book a demo.