Written by Vedika Amin | Reviewed by Dr. Shelly Bhowmik

Mission-driven workers are more likely to experience burnout. Be on the lookout for these three signs and symptoms.

Imagine a bustling office where employees are engaged, productivity is high, and creativity flows effortlessly. It's an idyllic vision for any business leader, but unfortunately, there's a lurking enemy that threatens this ideal scenario - employee burnout.

Burnout can quietly infiltrate your organization, wreaking havoc on morale, performance, and ultimately, your bottom line. A study conducted by Deloitte reveals that a staggering 60% of employees, 64% of managers, and 75% of C-suite executives are seriously considering quitting for a job that would better support their well-being.

The financial consequences of burnout are even more alarming. Gallup estimates that low engagement, a consequence of burnout, costs the global economy $8.8 trillion and accounts for 9% of global GDP.

Purpose-driven work, like that of diversity and inclusion practitioners, can increase the risk of burnout. Two factors in particular contribute to this trend: having a strong identification with work, and working in a helping profession. This highlights the increased vulnerability of purpose-driven individuals to burn out, and emphasizes the importance of addressing this issue within specific sectors and roles.

Recognizing the significance of burnout, it is essential to proactively identify its signs and symptoms before it escalates. Here are three effective strategies to detect burnout early and mitigate its impact.

Emotional Exhaustion

Emotional exhaustion, a prevalent symptom of burnout, can manifest in a persistent state of mental and physical fatigue. It can drain an individual of energy, leaving them feeling depleted and unable to cope with the demands of their job. 

According to Dr. Laurie Santos, emotional exhaustion is characterized by a sense of being overwhelmed and unable to handle any additional responsibilities. It's as if one more thing could cause everything to collapse like a house of cards. 

Given that workload is one of the six main causes of burnout, one effective strategy for addressing emotional exhaustion is to cultivate a culture that promotes work-life balance. Encouraging employees to prioritize self-care and establish clear boundaries between work and personal life creates an environment that supports their well-being. 

Offering resources such as flexible schedules, remote work options, and wellness programs can enhance overall well-being. For example, Etsy goes the extra mile to provide extensive work-life balance benefits including unlimited sick or mental health days, fully paid sabbatical leave every 5 years, and 26 weeks of fully paid parental leave for all genders.

Prioritizing emotional well-being not only demonstrates that you value your employees but also helps foster a sense of support and appreciation. Ultimately, this boosts employee resilience and productivity, leading to a more thriving and successful work environment.

Depersonalization

Depersonalization, another telltale sign of burnout, occurs when individuals distance themselves emotionally from their work and colleagues. They may become cynical, detached, and indifferent, losing the sense of connection and purpose that once drove them. 

As Dr. Laurie Santos describes it, “You're just kind of on a short fuse with the people around you, whether that's the people you're serving in your job, your clients or your patients, or your other teammates…You're also very cynical about people's intentions.”

As a business leader, it's vital to cultivate a sense of belonging and meaning within your organization. This helps to address any mismatch in values, which is another cause of burnout.

Create a culture of open communication by providing dedicated platforms and opportunities for employees to express their concerns, ideas, and frustrations. Actively listen to their feedback and demonstrate a genuine interest in understanding their perspectives. Most importantly, ensure that employees’ personal values are in alignment with the overall mission and vision of the organization. 

Fostering an environment where individuals feel heard and valued can combat depersonalization and nurture a sense of belonging within the workplace. 

Personal Ineffectiveness

The third symptom of burnout is a sense of personal ineffectiveness. It involves feeling like even if you were performing your job perfectly, it wouldn't make a difference. Despite doing your job well, you perceive it as lacking significance and no longer providing the same level of personal fulfillment as it did before.

Leaders can support employees suffering from personal ineffectiveness by rewarding and recognizing them for their work. Actions like publicizing achievements or providing growth opportunities serve as external validations, reminding employees of their innate talents and capabilities.

When employees feel valued and appreciated for their efforts, they are more likely to experience a sense of belonging and job satisfaction, leading to increased productivity and loyalty to their organizations. Furthermore, rewards and recognition can inspire healthy competition among employees, encouraging them to strive for excellence and continuously improve their performance.

Implementing these strategies enables organizations to address personal ineffectiveness, helping individuals regain a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and pride in their work.

Business leaders can create a thriving and productive workplace while safeguarding their employees' well-being by identifying the signs of burnout—emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal ineffectiveness—and implementing actionable strategies to prevent them.