Wendel Abel - I AM WHAT I THINKTOM IS a young executive. He spends most of the time on the job. He is now frustrated and demoralised.
Maria is an administrator at a large company in Kingston. She says, "I hardly find time for lunch. I have not taken a vacation in months. I find I am no longer liking this job."
Ellen is a nurse who works long hours. "They keep refusing my request for leave. I am so burnt out," she said.
These are the many faces of burn out. Burnout is a common problem, affecting many people worldwide even without many of them realising it. Burn out is common in the workplace and among persons working at home with major care-giving responsibilities.
Agnes has been taking care of her elderly mother who has Alzheimer's disease.
"My brothers and sisters are abroad and they expect me to do everything. I never get a break from caring for mom. I cannot cope any longer," she said.
Could you be burnt out? Have you made your job the focus of your life? When last did you take a vacation? Do you find that you are not enjoying your job? You may be heading for burnout.
SIGNS OF BURNOUT
The signs of burnout include: feeling down and drained physically and emotionally, getting easily irritated, easily tired, difficulty coping and solving problems, a sense of being overwhelmed and anger at those making demands.
As individuals become burnt out, they begin to lose interest and enthusiasm in their jobs. In severe cases, burn out may lead to anxiety and depression.
People become burnt out when they find themselves in situations in which great demands are being made of them; they become overloaded and do not make adequate time to repair and relax. It may be worsened in situations in which individuals do not feel appreciated or valued and are constantly being criticised and beaten upon.
Tom worked hard but he never felt appreciated. "My boss never congratulates me for a task well done. She always criticises me. I never feel appreciated or valued. In addition, my boss controls and micro manages everything I do. That adds to the stress in the office," he said.
Dr. Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and senior lecturer, University of the West Indies; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
Reduce burnout
1. Increase awareness of burnout in your organisation. Management and workers should take time to identify the factors at the workplace that may be contributing to burn out. This will enable you to detect the early warning signs and address them. Workers who are burnt out cannot be productive.
2. Create a work environment in which you are able to talk about the things that impact you. Happy workers make profitable organisations.
3. Set realistic goals for yourself. Try not to make work the focus of your life. Ensure that you know the vision and the mission of your organisation and that your work is in harmony with this.
4. Set boundaries. Set a clear line between your work life and personal life. Set aside time for family, friends and relaxation. Get a hobby and pursue it.
5. Take time out from work. Use your break and lunchtime wisely. Break is important, you deserve it; it allows you to get away and clear your mind. Take your vacation and enjoy it. When you do not take time out, you stop being productive.
6. Maintain balance in your life. Spend quality time with your family and friends. Maintain a sense of balance and healthy lifestyle. Sleep enough, eat well and exercise.
7. Remember no one is indispensable to the job. If you drop dead tomorrow you will be replaced.
Circulate this article at work, paste it on notice boards and put it on your boss's desk today.
