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What is Burnout?

Executive burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that can occur as a result of prolonged and intense stress in the workplace. According to a recent Harvard Business Review study, 96% of senior leaders report feeling burnt out to some degree, with one-third reporting high levels of burnout. Not only does this impact personal wellbeing, but also performance in the workplace and the organisations we lead. This then creates a vicious cycle, where we can start to feel incredibly stuck in a never-ending pattern of exhaustion and feelings of inadequacy.

 What contributes to executive burnout?

Executive burnout can result from a variety of factors, at an organisational, occupational, and individual level. Some contributing factors include:

What are the signs?

The symptoms of burnout can manifest in physical, emotional, and psychological ways. These symptoms may include:

• Physical Exhaustion: Fatigue, low energy, and a decrease in physical performance.

• Emotional Exhaustion: Feeling overwhelmed, cynical, and detached from your work and colleagues.

• Mental Exhaustion: You may notice a decline in cognitive abilities, including memory and concentration.

• Decreased Motivation: Burnout can lead to a lack of enthusiasm and interest in work, which can impact job performance.

• Increased Absenteeism: Burnout can lead to an increase in sick days and a decrease in productivity. 

If this sounds familiar to you…

If you are noticing some of the above signs of burnout, you might want to think about implementing some strategies to manage stress and regain a healthy work-life balance. Here are some initial strategies that can help prevent burnout:

1. Prioritize Self-Care: We often think about ‘self-care’ as a luxury or indulgence but actually it is equally as important to our wellbeing as all the other things we do. Optimal wellbeing and performance require a balance of work, home, social activities and personal care. This may include sleep hygiene, eating a balanced diet, exercise to kick start endorphins, or taking time at least once a week initially to do something pleasurable. 

2. Establish Boundaries: In order to maintain a healthy work-life balance. This may involve setting limits on work hours, saying no to interruptions, and taking breaks during the workday. Prioritize and delegate tasks where appropriate – you are human and can’t do everything!

3. Build a Support Network: Connect with colleagues, friends, and family members who can offer support and guidance; but also more of a space to talk and connect on non-work related things. 

4. Stress Management Techniques: Learning to be more mindful is a key way of managing stress, as is engaging in regular relaxation practice, and connecting with loved ones. 

5. Evaluate your Options: What aspects of your situation are truly fixed, and which can you change? Discuss specific concerns with your seniors if possible. Maybe you can work together to change expectations or reach compromises or solutions. 

6. Seek Professional Support: If you are noticing the signs of burnout and would like some help in managing this, we recommend speaking to a therapist. In therapy you can work together to identify key aspects of the problem and learn strategies to make change and improve wellbeing. 

Executive burnout can have significant impact on the performance and well-being of executives and on a company's productivity, morale, and overall performance. Addressing burnout is an individual and organisational responsibility, and the more proactive we can be about spotting the signs and getting help the better. 

Written by:

 Dr Gurveen Ranger

Sage Clinics, Dubai