Workplace burnout is a growing problem for many Kiwis. In 2024, Massey University Business School’s Wellbeing@work research found 57% of New Zealand workers were at high risk of burnout - a doubling of the December 2023 rate.
But just what is burnout and how can you recognise the risks and symptoms, not only in your colleagues and employees, but in yourself?
This post explains what burnout is, its causes, the most common warning signs, and how employers can recognise and address it early.
Definition: Chronic workplace stress leading to exhaustion and disengagement.
Top causes: Excess workload, low agency in the workplace, poor work-life balance.
Key signs: Fatigue, cynicism, low motivation, absenteeism.
Action steps: Check in regularly, adjust workload, encourage support.
Resources: Mental Health Foundation NZ, Beyond Blue check-in tool.
Burnout isn’t a recognised medical or mental health condition, but the World Health Organization (WHO) defines workplace burnout as an “occupational phenomenon” (or syndrome) resulting from “chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed”.
The WHO characterises burnout in 3 ways:
Burnout is a gradual process that develops over time. It’s caused by persistent stress or pressure, but is different from short-term stress that goes away once the immediate cause is relieved or removed.
Many things have been found to contribute to employees experiencing burnout, e.g. unrealistic workloads, having little or no control over their work, monotonous or unchallenging tasks, inadequate support, job insecurity.
External factors can often play a part as well, e.g. poor work/life balance, financial pressures, too many responsibilities, social isolation.
If unchecked, the effect of long-term stress and burnout can impair a person’s ability to function, both at work and in personal life. Workplace burnout can lead to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and insomnia, and poor physical health, e.g. high blood pressure, higher risk of heart attack or heart disease.
The Massey research found burnt out employees are 16.5 times more likely to seriously consider quitting their job. They are also 28.5 times more likely to often engage in poor work behaviour, such as slacking off and not trying.
Australian research has found that people who are most at risk of burnout are likely to be reliable, conscientious, and perfectionistic. This means they could well be the employees you rely on most and really want to keep!
Burnout is a syndrome, which means it’s a collection of physical, emotional, and behavioural symptoms or signs. The signs vary from person to person and most people will experience a combination of symptoms.
Many people don’t recognise burnout or exhaustion until it’s a serious issue and they are struggling to cope. Awareness of burnout symptoms is key, so you can identify it and make changes to alleviate the cause(s).
Australian mental health charity, Beyond Blue, has an online burnout tool, to help you self-assess for signs of burnout.
Some people mask the symptoms and signs of burnout and keep going, because of work pressures or personal expectations. People can also blame themselves for feeling burnt out.
For employers and managers, having regular, honest conversations with employees is essential for spotting the warning signs and making changes.
If you have an Employee Assistance Program, make sure all your staff know it is available. The symptoms of burnout can also be linked to health conditions, such as depression, so don’t be afraid to seek or recommend professional help.
If you suspect you or someone you know is suffering from burnout, excessive stress, or poor mental health, professional support is available: