Top tips for spotting and tackling burnout

According to the 2023 Ben Survey, 1 in 3 people in the automotive industry have experienced anxiety and depression, compared 1 in 6 from the rest of the UK working population.

The high workload common in the industry is a key factor, as workload is the number one driver of stress. And of the 99% who reported their health and wellbeing had been affected over the past year, 66% said it was due to stress. A certain amount of stress is a good thing, but prolonged stress leads to something more serious and debilitating – burnout.

Employers have a responsibility to support the mental health and wellbeing of their employees. But what can managers do to spot the signs of burnout and make a difference in the workplace? Ben’s Leila Moss-Kelly says that being observant to the smallest of clues can make a difference.

It’s important to note you don’t need to be a psychologist or counsellor. You don’t need to fix someone; the best support is often simply observing, listening, supporting and signposting.

What is burnout?

At this time of year, people frequently complain how they’re suffering from burnout and are looking forward to the Christmas break. But what exactly is genuine burnout, and why is it so serious? 

Leila says the World Health Organisation (WHO) describes burnout as “chronic workplace stress”. Notably for employers, burnout is specifically related to an individual’s work life. As with the broader struggles with mental health, there are several ways you can spot burnout.

Exhaustion

It sounds obvious, but there’s more to exhaustion than having trouble sleeping and feeling tired all the time. Other signs include forgetfulness and difficult concentrating, becoming easily upset, irritable and angry, worrying a lot and feeling low in mood, a loss of appetite and an overall lack of energy – both physical and psychological.

Mental detachment from your job

Burnout can see a lack of motivation to complete tasks and projects at work, along with feeling alienated from others, which can lead to negative thoughts, self doubt and feeling like a failure.

Poorer performance at work

This can all lead to a drop-off in productivity, employees losing belief in themselves, and simply feeling helpless – yet ironically, they can also find they are unable to actually ‘switch off’ from work. Their mind becomes preoccupied with thoughts about work, both in and out the workplace.

Other signs that someone is suffering burnout include feeling guilty for relaxing and always feeling like they should be doing something productive, an increase in self-loathing because they feel like they’re underachieving, and generally finding it difficult to find enjoyment in life.

There is an important difference between burnout and stress, says Leila. Stress is a matter of having too much work or too many responsibilities, whereas burnout is prolonged or chronic stress that leads to demotivation, disengagement and a lack of energy.

What causes burnout?

For employers, it can be useful to understand some of the main causes of burnout, in order to take steps to avoid them.

Unmanageable workload

This is an obvious cause of burnout, and something to keep an eye on. We all have busy periods, but if someone is regularly having to work long hours, they can start to feel overwhelmed, which leads to exhaustion.

Lack of role clarity

Unclear goals can leave people uncertain of what’s expected from them at work. This means their responsibilities are hazy, which can lead to undue stress.

Being treated poorly at work

Less desirable aspects of the workplace, such as bullying, favouritism, being overlooked for a promotion or not being paid fairly will all eventually take their toll on an employee.

Feeling unappreciated

Even if someone is not treated poorly, they may still feel unappreciated if they don’t get any positive feedback, incentives or promotion opportunities. This is disheartening, impacts motivation, raises stress levels and is another cause of burnout.

Lack of support

It is vital managers communicate clearly with their team and support them when issues arise. But good support goes beyond this, and extends to having strong relationships with all colleagues at work in order to reduce feelings of burnout.

How to recover from burnout

If you suspect you have been experiencing burnout, it’s important to be honest with yourself. Consider your symptoms – and consider giving yourself some time out to try and understand things. There are several useful steps you can take in order to help yourself.

Identify your stressors

Can you identify what makes you feel stressed or frustrated – and write down a way of reducing each one? Leila advises keeping a stress diary.

Speak to your manager

It really is good to talk. Contributory factors such as long hours, excessive workload, toxic culture or lack of boundaries can only be solved with the help of your boss. If you can’t speak to them, chat to HR.

Reduce your workload – if possible

Be conscious of what you’re taking on and, if able, try to reduce your workload. Again, if it’s not in your control, speak to your manager.

Don’t take work home

Easier said than done, but if you can get work done within work hours, do so. Be mindful if you feel there is an imbalance – and be prepared to say no and set limitations. 

Take a break

Taking time off work is great for giving yourself some perspective. But if work is overwhelming, it is not a long-term solution. Use time off to think of more permanent ways for dealing with working long hours and avoiding burnout.

Other signs someone is struggling with mental health

It isn’t just burnout that can cause someone to struggle with their mental health. There are all sorts of reasons someone may be suffering. Employees who are struggling with mental health many not feel comfortable opening up to their employer, meaning it’s not always obvious who needs support. Instead, responsible employers should try to look for the warning signs. 

Changes in mood

Is a normally mild-mannered individual snapping at their colleagues, or has an extrovert retreated from social interaction? If so, keep an eye on them.

Changes in productivity

Being distracted by mental health issues makes it hard to concentrate, which can impact productivity. Such individuals may also miss deadlines and make uncharacteristic errors.

Timekeeping and absenteeism

The most noticeable sign is an increase in sick days, but those who are struggling may also arrive to work late, and take longer lunch breaks.

Weight changes

This is a sensitive one to tackle, but significant changes in someone’s weight, along with different eating habits, can indicate a mental health issue.  

Sleeplessness

If someone isn’t sleeping well, they may look tired, lethargic or worn out on a regular basis, which could be down to their mental health.

Appearance and personal hygiene

Changes in appearance can include someone not looking after themselves, looking unkempt, regularly wearing the same clothes and poor personal hygiene such as body odour.

YOUR ACTION PLAN

• Speak to someone – a colleague, a manager, your GP
• Pass on Ben’s out-of-hours support service: text BEN to 85258
• Fill in the Ben Survey 2024
• Watch (and share) Ben’s powerful new video on mental health warning signs