Corporate Workplace Burnout in India and What to do about it?

One of the major problems in India’s Corporate Sector is the effective management of workplace stress and burnout. Burnout levels among corporate professionals have increased due to a variety of factors, including high-performance standards, long work hours, and the fast-paced demanding nature of the sector to name a few.

According to a recent study by the UK Workforce Institute, a sizeable chunk of India’s workforce – nearly 78% – experiences work burnout, with symptoms ranging from emotional to physical tiredness. The McKinsey Study, where India lamentably topped in 2023, found out that 59% of responders were experiencing symptoms of burnout. World Health Organization (WHO), states Burnout is a syndrome that is brought on by ongoing workplace stress that has not been effectively managed.

Out of the working clients who come to me seeking therapy, almost 80% suffer from burnout, some complain of immense workload and demanding work hours, some of a haywire work-life balance and some of toxic work environment. These are alarming statistics that require immediate attention. Keeping this in mind, this article aims to take an in-depth look into what workplace burnout is and strategies to prevent and/or manage it.

Read More: Managing Workplace Stress: Expert Tips for a Balanced and Productive Life

What is Burnout?

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), Burnout refers to physical, emotional, and/or mental exhaustion accompanied by decreased motivation, lowered performance, and negative attitudes towards oneself and others. It results from performing at a high level until stress and tension, especially from extreme and prolonged physical or mental exertion or an overburdening workload, take their toll. Burnout is something that occurs overnight. Burnout as a word was first used in this sense in 1975 by U.S. Psychologist Herbert J. Freudenberger (1926-1999).

The three dimensions of workplace burnout

• Reduced sense of efficacy at work.
• Feelings of energy depletion or emotional exhaustion
• Increased mental distance from one’s work and negative or cynical feelings towards one’s work.

One can experience burnout if they are having trouble with even the most basic of tasks, becoming angry quickly with coworkers or family, and feeling like they can’t accomplish anything.

“There are many potential causes of burnout in today’s workplaces – excessive workloads, low levels of support, having little say or control over workplace matters, lack of recognition or rewards for one’s efforts, and interpersonally toxic and unfair work environments,” says Mindy Shoss, PhD, professor of Psychology at the University of Central Florida.

Burnout is on the rise in many companies across the corporate sector, which is hardly surprising, given the ongoing worries and uncertainty about the possible recession.

Read More: The Power of Mindfulness in the Workplace

Causes of Burnout

1. Experiencing challenging workloads

In cases of burnout, a demanding workload might throw off the work-life balance. Burnout can also result from monotonous work. A work-to-capacity ratio should ideally be maintained but persistent workload throws off equilibrium and monotony saps drive.

2. Having a lack of control

Professionals who do not have access to resources or find it difficult to participate in decisions about their jobs may feel they do not have control. Additionally, they can observe a lack of appreciation for their work and get the impression that the managers do not think highly of them. When job profile and task-related priorities change often, it can be a sign of a lack of control since it makes it difficult to work on desired projects or limits prospects of advancement.

3. Experiencing unfair treatment

Perceptions of unjust treatment hurt motivation and job performance, which often results in burnout. It is possible that one employee receives recognition for a group effort, or the management consistently grants a colleague’s request for a deadline extension. If noticing such instances, one should not shy away from standing up and requesting recognition. Unfair treatment must be addressed quickly in a nonjudgemental way.

4. Experiencing a toxic work environment

Whether it’s unclear job expectations, micromanagement or negative attitudes, potentially toxic work environments can lead to burnout. Negative tactics used by companies generate poisonous workplaces that stifle employee enthusiasm and increase stress.

5. Working with unfair expectations

Unfair job expectations may result from pressure to perform well in one’s role or persistent concern about one’s work performance. It is critical to ascertain the source of expectation – the individual or the employer. If the expectations are one’s own, individuals should review their priorities and objectives to ensure that the expectations are realistic and doable.

6. Working with Challenging Leadership

Ineffective leadership at work may cause one to experience burnout. This may manifest as taking on projects at the last minute with short deadlines or not finishing a task due to inadequate communication between the individual and their manager.

Read More: How can I Deal with Workplace Anxiety?

Stages of Burnout

Freudenberger and Gail North, the scientists who first recognized burnout as a condition, described 12 stages of burnout in the workplace:

• The compulsion to prove oneself
• Working harder
• Neglecting personal needs
• Displacement of Conflict
• Revision of values (work to the exclusion of all else)
• Denial of emerging problems

• Withdrawal (typically accompanied by self-medicating)
• Odd behavioural changes
• Depersonalization (unable to connect with others or one’s own needs)
• Inner emptiness
• Depression
• Burnout Syndrome

Read More: Modern Day Workplaces and Dehumanization

Impacts of Burnout

1. Physical Health Consequences

There can be serious physical health consequences of Burnout. Burnout, if neglected, may cause physical sickness, insomnia, and chronic fatigue. Many studies also mention an increased risk of heart disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes; as chronic stress results in an increase in cortisol levels, which reduces immunity and creates inflammation in the body.

Other physical symptoms like headaches, gastrointestinal problems, and muscle soreness may also be experienced by burnout sufferers. These signs and symptoms can escalate burnout and set off a domino effect that affects both physical and mental health.

2. Mental Health Consequences

Severe repercussions for mental health might also result from Burnout. Symptoms of anxiety, depression, and in some cases, suicidal thoughts can be experienced if not paid attention to. Feelings of low self-esteem, pessimism, and a lack of motivation are also brought on by Burnout. Social Support Networks and Interpersonal Relations bear damaging effects because of Burnout. People may start avoiding and retreating from social interactions and eventually isolate themselves, worsening mental health issues.

Read More: 10 Tips for Maintaining a Positive Workplace Environment

What can be done to curtain burnout?

1. Paying attention to one’s feelings: Burnout is intricately linked to Emotions which are important indicators of priorities. Burnout at the workplace can be prevented by managing feelings of resentment, irritation, and disappointment by being aware of one’s sentiments as they emerge.
2. Examining One’s Boundaries: An overly busy workload is an outcome of taking on obligations without taking into consideration the effort, time, or energy it will require to get done with the tasks. Individuals are less likely to experience fatigue and feel overwhelmed if appropriate boundaries are established and they feel in control of their time and resources.
3. Cultivating Interests Outside of Work: Burnout is by definition a phenomenon associated with the workplace, although, one’s overall well-being influences how productive they are at work. It is a crucial component of work-life harmony. Having positive outlets can help one get through a challenging or frustrating period in one’s professional life.
4. Building Relationships with Colleagues: A contributing element to workplace burnout, as identified by Dr. Maslach is a lack of community. One can access common resources, get a sense of belonging in the workplace, and ask for assistance more easily when they build relationships at work.
5. Keep Work at Work: A work schedule that allows the individual to manage other significant goals in their personal life in a way that seems balanced to them should be established and adhered to. One may even attempt to set up physical boundaries such as closing one’s office door at the end of the day or removing work-related emails from one’s devices.
6. Look for a Quick Win! A major indicator of burnout is a feeling of inefficiency. However, one can increase their efficacy and achieving success in any area of one’s life will boost their confidence at work. Consider completing a workshop, a book, a small project, or even just organizing a junk drawer.
7. Share Concerns with a Manager: Burnout risk is often created or broken at the organizational level. One’s experience at work and the resources available to them can be significantly impacted by the leadership team they work with. It is possible that the others are having difficulties as well, and there may need to be a change in culture.
8. Take Care of Physical Health: Loss of interest in self-care is one of the stages of burnout. In severe circumstances, an individual may lose touch with their inner compass. In such cases, it becomes important to take time out for basic needs such as food, water, exercise, and social interaction.
9. Practising Mindfulness: It is easy to slip into burnout when one prioritizes their to-do list over their needs. One should establish a practice of checking in with themselves. They can plan a short break between back-to-back meetings or set a reminder on their phones.
10. Ask for Help: Demanding workloads, conflicting priorities, and unfulfilled values are common causes of burnout, but unexpressed needs are also a major contributing factor. Asking one’s leaders, coaches, coworkers, and family for assistance is vital. One may have more support than they realize.

It is of paramount importance to understand that burnout is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ issue. Different individuals may experience burnout differently. By being more aware of warning signs, workplace burnout can be effectively managed by both the employees and the employers.