Burnout is a word that gets mentioned a lot these days. It is a type of stress often related to work, and it has various causes and consequences. Healthcare is a sector where staff burnout is a particularly huge issue. The signs of burnout in healthcare workers are many and varied; but once you know what to look out for, you’ll also be forewarned of what you can do about it.
What are the signs of burnout at work?
There are several symptoms to look out for that are signs of job burnout:
- Fatigue
- Decreased motivation
- Concentration and memory loss
- Feelings of cynicism and irritability
- Feelings of anxiety and isolation
- A lack of energy and feeling detached from work
Healthcare workers can experience a variety of symptoms if they are burnt out, and the above list is not exhaustive. If you know in yourself that you are feeling overworked or isolated or not yourself at work, it is likely something is not right.
How to prevent burnout in healthcare workers
In healthcare, burnout is directly linked to a decrease in staff motivation – one of the things we at Xytal work with healthcare teams and leaders to rectify. Knowing the signs of burnout in healthcare workers is only half the work; it’s also important to know how to prevent burnout, both as a healthcare leader and a member of staff.
1. Take a timeout
Wherever possible, take a moment for yourself at work. Take a break, go for a walk, do some mindful breathing – whatever most helps you to feel calm and present.
Healthcare can be such a busy and stressful work environment, it can be incredibly hard sometimes not to overwork yourself. However, working past the point of sense is not good for your wellbeing, and it’s not good for your patients either. You will be able to offer your patients a better level of care if you take the time to care for yourself too.
2. Connect with others
Social isolation at work is a big contributor to burnout. Taking the time to connect with your colleagues and build relationships gives you a valuable emotional support base – and helps you feel like there’s more to your work life than just work.
Having a strong support network at home is also hugely valuable. Where possible, try not to take your work home with you – enjoy the time you spend out of work and the people you spend that time with.
3. Communicate openly
If you are a healthcare leader, establish a psychologically safe work environment where open communication is encouraged and practised. When healthcare teams feel that they can safely speak up at work – even about difficult subjects – without being shot down or ridiculed, people are far more likely to share if they are struggling. This way, something can be done to rectify the situation and try to help staff out – rather than waiting for them to experience burnout so profound they cannot work.
Our Process Improvement and Leadership programmes are designed to help healthcare teams establish a healthy, open workplace culture.
4. Reflect on your ‘why’
One of the signs of job burnout is feeling a detachment from your work and a loss of motivation. By thinking about the values that first drew you towards healthcare as a profession, you can reconnect with your ‘why’: why your work is important to you, and what drives you.
