Burnout is a term used when a person is exposed or has experienced loss of energy or physical and mental strain due to life’s experiences. Some individuals experience burnout from school, family or work related stress. In this thesis I will discuss the definition of burnout, causes and how to handle burn out in work related situations. Burnout According to the Merriam-Webster burnout is defined as exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or motivation usually as a result of prolonged stress or frustration (Merriam-Webster, 2012).
Burnout in the workplace occurs more frequently than one would think. A combination of outside factors with organizational issues may cause burnout to arise. Outside factors that contribute to burnout are social, individual and cultural issues. These factors should not be confused with symptoms of depression. Depression and burnout or similar however the causes are different which determines the diagnosis. Example an individual may be suffering from depression because of the lose loved one, therefore the depression is following her to each environment; work, home, social life etc.
These symptoms would determine that the person is in fact suffering from depression. Some theories also believe that gender factors contribute to “a curvilinear relationship in differences between men and women in the use of workplace flexibility (E. Jeffrey Hill, 2008). Burnout Factors Burnout factors that may support burnout are the feelings of the person who feel as though they over looked, over worked, underpaid and unappreciated within the work place. If a individual is experiencing any of the three listed and no validation from their peers, superiors or clients burnout is likely to occur.
Supervisory and organizational factors are the employee never recieves recognition for hard work given or going the extra mile; individual factors develop from not enough time given personally and to much time given to work. If a person becomes consumed with work and has no escape route to alleviate work stress or down time. Burnout Prevention There are a number of ways to prevent burnout on each level. Organizational methods are reduciing work load for each counselor, boost employee moral by incorporating programs that will increase team participiation and motivation.
Mainting job role definitions, ensure the counselor work meets the guidelines with their position. On a individual level counselors can implement a down time for themselves. Taking a 15 minute break each day to lower or maintain stress levels, once the counselors leaves his or office for the day work remains in the office. Personality Examination From my personal perspective in I respond to work related and personal stress differentlty. In the past when work related stress occurs I take so much in until I explode like a balloon.
I am at a point within my job to where I feel as though we are working against each other internally. The teams thoughts and input are overlooked and we are expected to make miracles regardless of the confusion that was created within. My take on my position now is to worry about what I can control, issues that are beyond my control are not worth the mental strain. My focus at work is based on what I have accomplished instead of what I am trying to obtain, focus on the positive aspects of my position. Personally on the other hand I shut down mentally.
If there is a problem I would much rather stray away and gather myself emotionally, then try a tactful approach versus and expressive one. Human Service Manager My initial step as a human services manager focusing on staff burnout would be proactive. By communicating with my staff in a team environment and one on one setting. Commending my team and thanking them constantly for their efforts. I would reinterate my open door policy and that I am always available in the event there is an issue or concern.
Secondly I would take the time within the meetings and single time to identify any possible symptoms or signs of burnout. For example body language or passive aggressive nature. In the event I recognize any signs or symptoms I would immedialtely focus on the indivdual and reassure he or she that I am there to support them.
References
E. Jeffrey Hill, J. I. (2008). Community, Work & Family. Newton: Routlege, Taylor & Francis Group. Merriam-Webster. (2012). burnout. Retrieved October 24, 2012, from Merriam-Webster : http://www. merriam-webster. com/dictionary/burnout
