Series: Preventing and Overcoming Burnout - Part 1
Part 1: Burnout and Coping Strategies
According to the World Health Organization, burnout is defined as “a syndrome
conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully
managed.” It is one of the most pressing issues facing our global workforce. Twenty-eight
percent of employees say that they feel burned out at work either “very often” or “always”
while only 24% report that they “rarely” or “never” feel burned out at work.
In 2022, Gallup conducted a study of workers who had completed the CliftonStrengths
assessment. They asked more than 3,000 employees what they do to help themselves feel
more productive when they are overwhelmed or frustrated by their job. Unsurprisingly,
people revealed a range of coping strategies, from reframing to engaging in nonwork
activities with their most common strategy being consistent with their dominant strengths.
These most common strategies, however, were not always the most effective for them.
Reflect on the list of coping strategies below and identify the things you “always” or “rarely”
do when you are feeling burned out.
I spend more time with family and friends outside of work.
I start getting back to work as quickly as possible.
I think about how my work affects others.
I take more breaks during the workday to relax.
I exercise or engage in physical activity.
I think about how much my work contributes to my future goals.
I think about how others I work with might feel about the same situations.
I stop and take my time to think through my situation.
In our next Leadership Tip, we will reflect on the statements above and learn more about how
our natural responses to feeling overwhelmed may provide clues to our talents.
