Workplace burnout is a common issue that can significantly impact an employee’s well-being and productivity. Overcoming burnout requires a combination of personal strategies and organizational support. You are not alone when you experience burnout. As recruiters, we often see and hear about employees trying to keep up with the demand of the job. Most employees experiencing burnout may think the only solution is to look for a new career opportunity, and while that may be the solution in the end, we recommend trying these steps first to see if you can collaborate with your employers and correct the burnout feeling.

Recognize the Signs

The first step is to be aware of the signs of burnout. These may include physical and emotional exhaustion, reduced motivation, cynicism, and decreased productivity. If you’re recognizing these signs, it’s time for you to start reassessing what you can change first. Small steps can be impactful here. Think about getting to work earlier, prepping your breakfast and lunch so you’ll be fueled for the day, or maybe finalize your weekly schedule with a monthly planner to ensure that you are organized with meetings and meet those monthly goals.

Self-care and Well-being

Prioritize self-care by adopting healthy lifestyle habits. This includes getting enough sleep, engaging in regular exercise, and maintaining a balanced diet. Allocate time for activities that bring joy and relaxation, such as hobbies or spending time with loved ones. Having a good self-relationship can ensure that your workplace relationships are also healthy.

Set Boundaries

As recruiters we see a lot of our candidates who are frustrated because they feel as though they don’t have enough work/life balance in their current positions. This can develop from wanting to overachieve and show that you are a dedicated employee. At first this may be a great strategy, but it is not a good strategy for longevity. We recommend establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life to avoid an overworking workload. Set specific times for work-related tasks, learn to say no to additional responsibilities when necessary, and have a conversation with your supervisor when taking on certain task to ensure you’ll have enough work hours to cover this task so it will not interfere with personal life obligations.

Take Breaks

Schedule short breaks throughout the workday. Since most of us are usually at our desks for most of the workday, it’s good to take short breaks to stretch your legs, get a snack, or get a glass of water to allow your eyes and mind to rest. Use longer breaks throughout the day such as lunch breaks for time to engage in activities that help recharge and refresh the mind, such as taking a walk, practicing deep breathing exercises, or meditating. Stepping away from work can enhance productivity and reduce stress.

Time Management

Often, we get stressed out because we are not organized. Learning good time management skills can create a more balanced workload. Prioritize tasks based on importance and deadlines, and break large projects into smaller, manageable chunks. Utilize productivity tools and techniques, such as the Pomodoro Technique, to enhance focus and efficiency.

Seek Growth Opportunities

This is a crucial step in combating burnout. Employees from all backgrounds can turn a negative into a positive, it just takes a bit of reevaluation and determination. We recommend looking into courses or activities that foster personal and professional growth. This can include attending workshops, seeking out challenging projects, or pursuing further education. Cultivating a sense of learning and development can reignite motivation and combat burnout. Think about where you want to be and how you can get there. Use this new determination to gain a certificate or learn a new tool that can be useful for your line of work. This can play in your favor for when a new promotion comes up!

Foster Positive Relationships

Take time to develop good relationships with supervisors and co-workers. It’s okay to put yourself out there and let your personality shine. Connecting with the people who you are around for at least 8 hours a day can make you feel at home in your company.  Cultivate a supportive and collaborative work environment where individuals can openly communicate and seek assistance when needed. These social connections can help alleviate stress and create a sense of belonging.

Talk to Your Supervisor or Recruiter

If you have spent the time and worked on all the above steps and the burnout persists, it may be necessary to have a conversation with a supervisor or recruiter. We recommend speaking with your supervisor first and seeing if you can work out a resolution together. If you feel as though you may need more support, reach out to your recruiter. Having a Godshall recruiter can provide a safe place to clearly communicate feelings and concerns. Our recruiters will do their best to see potential solutions and work with you and your supervisor to ensure this is your perfect fit.

Overcoming workplace burnout requires a multifaceted approach that combines personal resilience and organizational support. Employees should actively prioritize self-care, set boundaries, seek support, and develop strategies to manage their workload effectively. Organizations should also foster a positive work environment, encourage work-life balance, and provide resources to support employee well-being. By implementing these strategies, individuals can regain their energy, motivation, and overall satisfaction at work.

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Drew Brown 

Vice President, Godshall Recruiting