According to a recent analysis from Indeed, employee fatigue is becoming more common. A total of 52% of employees say they feel burned out, while an increase of 9% from a survey conducted before COVID.
While burnout can be caused by many things- from a heavy workload to office politics- the most common root causes are a lack of control over work, high job demands, and trim work/life balance.
If you’re feeling burnt out at the office, you can do a few things to help mitigate the issue.
Assess What Causes Your Burnout
Take a step back and assess what’s causing your burnout.
- Are you overloaded with work?
- Do you feel like you’re constantly being pulled in different directions?
- Is your job lacking in meaning or satisfaction?
Once you identify the root cause of your burnout, you can start to look for solutions.
Start Exercising
Research has shown that exercise can be an effective way to combat burnout. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. It can also help reduce stress levels and improve sleep quality.
Here are simple exercise tips you can do at the office:
- Take a brisk walk during your lunch break.
- Do some desk exercises or stretches throughout the day.
- Join a workplace wellness program.
Communicate to Your Boss
If you’re feeling overwhelmed at work, the first step is to communicate with your boss. Let them know what’s going on and see if there’s any way they can help you lighten your load.
Many bosses are more than happy to help, but they need to be aware of the issue first. But make sure that your expectations are realistic. Your boss can’t magically make all your work disappear, but they may be able to help you reorganize or delegate some of your tasks.
Take a Break
If you’re feeling burnt out, it’s essential to take a break from work and your devices. Spend some time outside, take a yoga class, or read a book for pleasure. The more rested and relaxed you are, the better you’ll be able to handle stress. Depending on the level of burnout, a mental health day may be in order.
Set Boundaries
One of the best ways to achieve work/life balance is to set boundaries between your personal and professional life. This might mean only checking work email a few times a day or not working on weekends. It can be tough to stick to these boundaries, but it’s essential to try your best.
Talk to a Professional
If the tips above don’t help, it might be time to talk to a professional. A therapist can help you work through your feelings of burnout and find solutions that work for you. Stress at work can have a detrimental influence on nearly three out of every five employees, with 26% reporting a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or energy and 26% reporting a lack of effort at work.
This means help from a professional could be the key to getting your office life back on track.
Conclusion
Ending the cycle of burnout and getting back to your best with the right office wellness program is a huge help. The first step is admitting a problem, and the next is doing something about it. Office burnout is a natural and growing issue in the United States. It’s time to face facts, take a step back, and get office wellness programs in place to help.
Avid Sports Medicine strives to provide the highest quality sports medicine services available. We offer a variety of services that include physical therapy, chiropractic, sports massage, and athletic training. Sign up today for a consult call from one of our team members.