In Part 1 of our 3-part series on job burnout we introduced the condition along with its causes and effects. In Part 2 we turn our attention to how RTW Coordinators can help employees prevent burnout, and assist with the road to recovery.

PREVENTING JOB BURNOUT

There is no magic formula when it comes to a healthy lifestyle. We all have different schedules and responsibilities, so a one size fits all approach to living is not realistic. Despite this, there are a number of choices that each of us can make about the way we live our lives that can have a big impact on our wellbeing.

By introducing your employees to the following tips, you may help them achieve the kind of balance they need to live a happier, healthier and more productive life at, and away from, the office.

10 Burnout Prevention Tips

1. Maintain healthy eating, exercising and sleeping habits - Although difficult to follow with a busy lifestyle, they represent the pillars of healthy living. When practiced properly, they provide you with enough energy to work effectively without a dependence on stimulants such as caffeine.  
2. Try some “decompression techniques” - Depending on what you find relaxing, integrate something like meditation, light exercise or reading into your day (perhaps as part of your daily routine).  
3. ‘Unplug’ when possible - It’s a well known fact that the boundary between home and office has become increasingly blurred. Set aside a period each day where the phone and laptop etc. are switched off.  
4. Seek assistance - Be it at work or at home, don’t be afraid to ask for help.  
5. Use your communication skills - Seek clarification at work about things like expectations and responsibilities if you are unsure.  
6. Manage your stress - We all experience stress but we can learn to minimise its effects. Educate yourself about ways to control the symptoms of stress to deal with challenging situations.  
7. Identify goals - It's difficult to change things overnight. Setting a series of short-term goals will keep you motivated on the path to your long-term goal.  
8. Maintain a social/support network - Maintain contact with people you feel comfortable discussing your problems with. Seek out professional peer groups to interact with people experiencing the same issues that you are.  
9. Pursue outside interests - Find ways to express yourself outside of the office. Enjoy or find a hobby that will allow you to challenge and express yourself in ways you are not able to at work.  
10. Set boundaries - At both work and in your personal life, try not to overextend yourself by taking on responsibilities you can’t handle.

IDENTIFYING WARNING SIGNS

Job burnout is not an all-or-nothing situatution. Most employees will demonstrate signs of burnout, at least to some extent. However, when several symptoms combine and continue unaddressed, the employee becomes worn down and what might have been simply a period of frustration or fatigue can result in burnout.

The best form of defence against burnout is prevention. By becoming aware of, monitoring, and educating employees to look out for these warning signs, you may be able to limit the extent and severity of any breakdown.

Physical signs of burnout

• Constantly feeling fatigued;
• Head and muscle aches, back and neck pain;
• Frequent illness; and
• Difficulty sleeping.

Behavioural signs of burnout

• Using drugs, alcohol or food to self-medicate;
• Lashing out at others;
• Calling in sick to work, or arriving late and leaving early; and
• Failing to meet responsibilities.

Psychological signs of burnout

• Loss of motivation;
• Increased job dissatisfaction;
• Self-doubt; and
• Feelings of isolation.

DEALING WITH BURNOUT AND PLANNING A SUCCESSFUL RETURN TO WORK

The nature of burnout means that the appropriate response will vary, depending on the person and the severity of the condition.

Generally speaking, people go through three stages of burnout.

1. Acceptance

The important first-step is to accept what has taken place and prepare mentally for the road to recovery. Some people feel like they can ‘tough it out’ and push through symptoms. They need to acknowledge the seriousness of their condition to avoid worsening the situation.

2. Self-Management

Recovery involves a number of stages that require the individual to accept, address and then move on from the problem. They must:

• Manage Their Emotions - It is important that they resist the urge to attribute their breakdown to weakness. Overcoming their negative thoughts is one of the most crucial steps on the road to recovery. They must recognise the control they have over their emotions and dedicate themselves to coming back stronger.  
• Ease the load - Commitments that will interfere with adequate resting must be reduced or eliminated.  
• Get Support - Although recovering from burnout is essentially a personal journey, it is one that is made easier and more productive with the help of others. They must not close off from friends, family or even co-workers.  
• Reassess their Goals and Priorities - Job burnout is a sign that something is wrong in that employee's life. They should use this period to reassess what they want to do with their life and the options they have. Employees must figure out what is important to them and let it fuel their recovery.  
• Recharge the Batteries - Employees should use this time to do the things that they enjoy, or pursue something they have always wanted to.

3. Timing the Return To Work

The general rule of thumb with returning to work after physical injury is the earlier the better, and the same is true in relation to burnout. This is not to say the employee should rush, but should not delay their return once they feel ready.

The important thing is that the employee eases back into the job. Just as the buildup of stressors leading to burnout is a gradual process, so to is the recovery period. Ideally they will return in a reduced capacity and gradually build their way back up.

In terms of their duties, they may wish to pursue a change in role or office. This will obviously require the employer’s cooperation and ability to accommodate their wishes. It is important that both parties are able to express their wishes and come to an agreement that will provide for a productive working relationship moving forward.

THE FINAL WORD

All employees are likely to experience symptoms of job burnout at some stage. Though in isolation they are not cause for great concern, vigilence is in the interest of both worker and workplace. By advising employees about what they can do to prevent burnout and keeping the warning signs in mind, RTW Coordinators can help reduce the number and severity of burnouts. 

Further, when a breakdown occurs, there are ways of working through that period with the employee that will allow them to build back up to a happier, healthier and more productive person.

In the final article in this series, we will explore how employers can help prevent job burnout, and assist a sufferer's return to work.