Burnout to Balance: Transforming Your Work Experience

By Angela Ross (student at University of Minnesota Crookston), with Joshua Rivedal

“Burnout is what happens when you try to avoid being human for too long.”

- Michael Gungor

A decade ago, I was commissioned (hired) to write a big musical that was to be produced in a few locations in the Southern U.S. around Christmas time, collaborating with a producing team I greatly admired. The initial thrill of this opportunity was palpable, but as the months unfolded, what began as a dream project gradually morphed into a source of overwhelming stress. The demands of the role expanded far beyond my initial job description, and with each passing day, the workload intensified. Despite my efforts, positive feedback felt elusive, leaving me to wrestle with exhaustion.

The culmination of this experience came on opening night of the show. While the atmosphere was electrifying and the excitement hard to contain, I found myself at the receiving end of unwarranted frustration from the director, who vented his displeasure over decisions well beyond my control. In that moment, I felt a profound sense of fatigue, anxiety, and despair wash over me. As someone who has navigated the complexities of depression and anxiety for years, this experience intensified feelings I had long grappled with, bringing them to the forefront of my life.

It wasn’t until years later that I recognized what I had endured was workplace burnout.

If my story resonates with you, the following information may provide the insights and understanding you need to navigate your own experiences with workplace burnout.

In today’s fast-paced office jungle, burnout has become the new normal, like that one coworker who always microwaves fish for lunch (you know the guy). It’s that state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion that sneaks up on you like an unwanted surprise meeting invite, just as you’re walking out the door at the end of a challenging day.

What is Workplace Burnout? It's not just your average Monday morning grumpiness; it’s an actual interruption to a once-happy environment that now seems unwelcoming and a challenge to go to each day. It’s dreading Monday morning, Friday afternoon. If you or someone you know has experienced these feelings of workplace burnout, it is no surprise, as the latest statistics on workplace burnout from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) find that 52% of American workers reported some form of workplace burnout that significantly got in the way of their productivity and general happiness. NAMI has broken down three main factors that may result from chronic, unaddressed workplace stress:

• Feelings of exhaustion or energy depletion.
• Negative or cynical feelings toward work.
• Reduced performance at work.

Several factors contribute to workplace burnout:

• A heavy workload: High demands and little time for rest. This can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed.
• A lack of agency: Employees who have little control over their work environment or tasks often experience higher levels of stress and depression.
• Lack of recognition: Feeling unseen for your hard work and ideas.
• Poor work balance: Difficulty separating work from personal life can contribute to fatigue and stress.
• Toxic work environment: A culture that promotes competition over collaboration can exacerbate feelings of isolation and stress.

The effects and consequences of burnout extend beyond individual employees, affecting overall workplace productivity and morale. Some common effects include:

• Decreased performance – Burnout can lead to reduced efficiency and productivity, impacting both the individual and the organization.
• Increased missed days of work – If you are experiencing burnout, you are more likely to take more sick days.
• Anxiety, depression, and other signs of mental health problems.
• A higher turnover rate – Organizations with high levels of employee burnout often face increased turnover rates, leading to additional costs in recruitment and training.

Alright, let’s tackle this burnout beast with some strategies, because we all know that ignoring it is just going to make it worse. 

• Set clear boundaries: Establish limits on work hours and stick to them to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Prioritize self-care: Engage in regular physical activity, eat well, and ensure you get enough sleep to recharge your body.
• Take regular breaks: Schedule short breaks throughout your day to step away from your work and refresh your mind.
• Practice mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness or meditation techniques to reduce stress and enhance focus.
• Seek out your support system: Talk to trusted colleagues, friends, or a professional about your feelings to gain perspective and support.

Burnout is a serious issue that can have lasting effects on both employees and organizations alike. By understanding its causes and effects and implementing effective strategies for recovery, we can make space for a healthier work environment that prioritizes mental well-being. Remember, recognizing the signs of burnout is crucial, and seeking help is a sign of strength. Prioritizing mental health not only benefits individuals but can also lead to a more productive and positive workplace for everyone.

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If you or someone you know is feeling the effects of workplace burnout, there are resources to help you in general or to assist you in speaking up to someone you care about, including:

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

World Health Organization (WHO)