According to the World Health Organization, emotional burnout or just burnout is a syndrome resulting from chronic stress at work and the inability to cope with it.

However, this syndrome can arise not only because of excessive stress in the workplace. The cause of burnout can be any other long-term stress caused by various sources.

The most common symptoms of burnout are:

Such symptoms are often mistaken for ordinary overwork and are not addressed to specialists. But ignoring the presence of burnout syndrome can lead to clinical depression and other serious psychological issues.

Despite the similarity of symptoms, burnout can still be distinguished from ordinary fatigue or laziness. The main difference is that during burnout, physical and emotional changes become persistent and do not go away after rest.

The simplest way to determine burnout is self-analysis. Try to honestly answer the following questions:

If you notice any of these changes, try also to take more detailed tests like this.

In case you identify signs of burnout, you should seek the help of a specialist to make an accurate diagnosis.

The reasons for the development of emotional burnout in employees can be conditionally divided into two categories: external and internal. External factors are the factors arising directly at the workplace. While internal factors depend on any personal qualities and attitudes of the person himself. We will consider the most popular reasons from both categories.

The main cause of professional burnout in most cases is the lack of balance between work and rest. This situation in most cases arises due to some circumstances that require overtime work. For example, closing a big deal or preparing an annual report. Under such circumstances, it is definitely hard to find time for rest.

Tip: after a hard day's work, it is important to give yourself a reset. Switch off your phone, take time for your favorite hobby, go for a walk in the fresh air, listen to your favorite music or read a book. This will help you relax and rejuvenate for the new day.

Another reason may be the environment prevailing in the workplace. Constant pressure from the management, lack of subordination, frequent conflicts with colleagues and poor organization of the work process significantly increase the likelihood of burnout.

Tip: To reduce stress due to uncontrollable factors, accept that you cannot control the actions of others. Shift your focus to what you can: your reactions, thoughts, and actions. Practice relaxation techniques and take care of your physical and mental health. And don't be afraid to ask for help from colleagues or a specialist if it is difficult to cope with the problem yourself.

More often than others, employees who occupy positions involving constant communication with people, requiring sympathy, support or solving complex issues burn out. For example, emergency workers, social workers, teachers, psychologists, etc.

Also at risk are workers who have a lot of responsibility and multiple duties. Examples are top managers and department heads, who regularly have to make difficult decisions and solve global problems of the company.

Tip: To cope with high emotional stress, it is important to set boundaries, practice relaxation techniques, and seek support from colleagues and loved ones. It is also significant to learn to separate work issues from your personal life and not to take on too much responsibility.

Every employee wants their work to be appreciated, and not only financially. Therefore, feeling that your efforts are not valued, and your salary does not meet expectations greatly reduces motivation, which in the long run can also lead to burnout.

Tip: If your efforts are not appreciated and your salary does not meet expectations, talk to your manager. Clearly state your expectations and ask for feedback on your performance. If things don't change, you may want to consider other employment options.

Remote work with free schedule has become a common thing. Despite all its advantages and conveniences, it can also have some negative aspects.

The lack of a clear work schedule and working from home blurs the boundaries between work and leisure. And remote communication with coworkers can cause a lack of emotion in some people, making them feel disconnected from the team.

Tip: To stay disciplined when working remotely, create a workspace, stick to a schedule, and take breaks. To maintain emotional balance, it's important to create a routine, socialize with coworkers and loved ones, and don't forget about physical activity and hobbies.

Striving for the perfect result often leads to excessive workload and a constant feeling of inadequacy. This can lead to overtime, which in the long run is more likely to have a negative impact on the quality of work and a direct path to burnout.

People with low self-esteem may perceive any criticism as a personal insult and have difficulty setting personal boundaries. This can also lead to decreased motivation and, as a result, burnout.

Some people tend to take on too many responsibilities outside their area of responsibility. This severely overloads emotional and physical resources. Sometimes this behavior is a consequence of the same perfectionism, and sometimes it is a means of escapism. And, in either case, leads to negative consequences.

Other reasons can also influence the occurrence of emotional burnout syndrome: personal problems, health problems, cardinal changes in life, etc.

Individually, each of the listed reasons is unlikely to directly and precisely lead an employee to burnout. However, the duration and aggregate of several of them can already have enough influence for the manifestation of burnout symptoms.

It is much easier to avoid burnout in advance than to deal with its treatment and subsequent rehabilitation. Employee burnout prevention should include actions both on the part of employees themselves and on the part of employers and managers.

There are also many other practices aimed at preventing emotional burnout in employees. Try to implement something that suits you or your team.

Professional burnout is not just a temporary fatigue, but a serious syndrome that can seriously affect a person's physical, mental and professional well-being. It is important not to ignore it, but to seek professional help in time.