Are You at Risk of Burning Out?

61% of Australian workers reported experiencing burnout, compared to the global average of 48%, costing our economy a staggering $14b per year!

Do you know that burnout is a prevailing issue in the Australian workforce? Regardless of industries, Mental Health First Aid International released alarming statistics showing 61% of Australian workers reported experiencing burnout, compared to the global average of 48%, costing our economy a staggering $14b per year! 😲

This is a significant issue affecting all industries and the future of work in our nation. High resignation rates and absenteeism place additional pressure on already overworked, understaffed teams, leading to even more burnout. Research highlights that burnout is primarily about the workplace, not the worker (Moss, Harvard Business Review, 2019).

High resignation rates and absenteeism place additional pressure on already overworked, understaffed teams, leading to even more burnout. Research highlights that burnout is primarily about the workplace, not the worker.

Addressing this systemic problem is essential to prevent further burnout and promote healthier working environments. But what is burnout?

The World Health Organisation defines it as:

• Feelings of exhaustion or depleting energy

• Negativity, cynicism or mental distancing towards work

• Reduced self-efficacy or sense of accomplishment

I’ve experienced burnout twice, primarily driven by my obsessive passion and relentless client demands. It’s one of the key reasons I left the design industry over eight years ago. The most frightening part was losing my creative capacity, which deeply impacted my mental health and sense of self. According to research, it was the combination of cognitive impairment and diminished intrinsic motivation that incapacitated my creativity. Here's a short explanation of what happens to our brains when we are burned out.

I’ve experienced burnout twice, primarily driven by my obsessive passion and relentless client demands. It’s one of the key reasons I left the design industry over eight years ago. The most frightening part was losing my creative capacity, which deeply impacted my mental health and sense of self

Cognitive Impairment

Chronic stress from burnout disrupts cognitive processes vital for work, such as working memory, cognitive flexibility, and problem-solving abilities. It hinders the generation of creative ideas and innovative solutions (Khalil et al., 2019).

Diminished Intrinsic Motivation

Intrinsic motivation, our internal drive to engage in activities for our inherent satisfaction—is crucial in accomplishing work tasks. Burnout destroys this motivation, leading to disengagement and a lack of enthusiasm for once-fulfilling tasks (Tang et al., 2020)

Combined Effect on Creativity

The combination of cognitive impairment and reduced intrinsic motivation due to burnout creates a poor condition for creativity. As cognitive resources are depleted and motivation wanes, we find it increasingly difficult to think divergently and engage in the creative process. This cycle then perpetuates more burnout, further diminishing our creative capacities (Michel, 2016).

The combination of cognitive impairment and reduced intrinsic motivation due to burnout creates a poor condition for creativity. As cognitive resources are depleted and motivation wanes, we find it increasingly difficult to think divergently and engage in the creative process.

What are the Psychological Hazards that Contribute to Workplace Burnout?

As employers or business operators, we are now required by Work Safe regulations to address psychosocial risks contributing to burnout and mental health challenges. Burnout is preventable if we have the right strategies and are committed to implementing change. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix to this, but we can start by understanding the critical psychosocial hazards at work that can cause burnout (WorkSafe; McQuaid & Williams, 2023).

Burnout is preventable if we have the right strategies and are committed to implementing change. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix to this, but we can start by understanding the critical psychosocial hazards at work that can cause burnout.

Work Design

• Lack of Role Clarity

• Unmanageable Job Demands

• Low Job Control

• Inadequate Recognition or Reward

Social Support

• Lack of Supervisor Support

• Poor workplace relationships

• Bullying

• Harassment

Work Conditions

• Poor Change Management

• Poor physical environment

• Remote Work

• Isolated Work

Work Experiences

• Poor Organisational Justice

• Violence and Aggression

• Traumatic Events or Materials

Do you see symptoms of burnout at work? Regardless of industry, if you're looking for ways to manage these risks and create a mental health and wellbeing strategic plan, I’m here to help.