Feeling 'burnt out'? Research suggests your surroundings might be to blame
More than one in three Australian workers are experiencing burnout, according to a survey, and for those whose workplaces have "high levels of system friction" it is far more likely.
An occupational therapist in Australia has recognized the signs of burnout in himself and his patients after the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a new survey, more than one-third of Australian workers are experiencing burnout, and those with workplaces characterized by high levels of system friction are at an even greater risk. The State of Workplace Burnout Report, published by Infinite Potential in partnership with Beyond Blue and the University of Technology Sydney Business School, surveyed 999 Australian workers to identify the differences between organizations with low and high burnout rates.
The report emphasizes that burnout is a complex phenomenon, not simply an individual's problem, but rather a result of various environmental factors.
Professor Paula Brough of Griffith University and Professor Anna Stephens of UTS Business School, who were not involved in the survey, explain that burnout is characterized by three dimensions - emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. They highlight that certain industries, such as public-facing and high-risk sectors, are more prone to high levels of burnout.
Some of the key workplace characteristics that contribute to burnout include poorly designed systems, lengthy bureaucratic processes, unclear instructions, excessive workload, time pressure, and constant interruptions. Job security and fragmentation, or the constant switching between tasks and software, are also significant factors in determining burnout rates.
Dr Chan, the lead researcher, emphasizes that employers and organizations must take responsibility for creating an environment that is conducive to preventing burnout. He encourages employees to speak up when they recognize the signs of burnout and demand the necessary support. Dr Stephens advises individuals to pay attention to their workload and the "stress red flags," such as changes in sleeping patterns, anxiety returning to work after the weekend, and abandoning usual hobbies.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
