You want your employees to perform their best and feel fulfilled at work. But what happens when they're struggling to keep up?
According to the American Institute of Stress, 83% of US workers report feeling job-related burnout. Chronic workplace stress among accountants has intensified due to various factors, including long working hours, adherence to new compliance rules, monotonous daily tasks, the anticipation of an economic recession, and the transition to remote or hybrid work arrangements.
It's time to take a closer look at the importance of preventing burnout in the workplace. In this blog, we'll explore the importance of mental health in the workplace, and why spotting the signs of burnout early is crucial for maintaining a productive and healthy workforce.
What is Burnout?
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines burnout as "a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed," and this is a key aspect. We can all feel stress at some point in our careers or during specific moments, such as tax season or approaching deadlines. However, these should not be the norm. Burnout occurs when companies fail to prevent or address stress among their employees, or, worse when they encourage toxic and unhealthy work environments such as competition, constant urgency, impossible deadlines, and micromanagement.
According to the WHO, ongoing burnout can lead to feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion, increased mental distance from one's job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one's job, all of which can impact and reduce professional efficacy.
The Signs Of Burnout You Need To Watch Out For
Physical Symptoms
These symptoms of burnout can be easy to dismiss or ignore, but they can indicate a serious underlying problem. The most common are:
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Chronic fatigue or exhaustion
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Headaches
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Digestive problems
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Insomnia
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Muscle tension
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Increased illness
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Changes in appetite
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Changes in weight
These and other physical signs of burnout can weaken the immune system and make individuals more susceptible to illnesses and infections.
How to spot them? Pay attention to changes in behavior, appearance, attendance, and productivity. Changes in sleep patterns may be more difficult to notice, but the general appearance and overall attention can provide clues about how an employee is doing
Emotional Symptoms
Burnout can also take a toll on emotional well-being, which includes feelings of helplessness and frustration, as well as a sense of detachment or cynicism. However, it is important to note that these symptoms are often not the easiest to spot, as employees may try to conceal them until they become too difficult to handle.
If left unaddressed, emotional symptoms of burnout can have serious consequences for an individual's mental health leading to anxiety and depression. It can also lead to a decreased sense of self-esteem and confidence, making it difficult for employees to perform at their best and achieve their goals.
Accounting firms need to recognize and address these symptoms as soon as possible. This may involve seeking support from a mental health professional, making changes to their work environment or schedule, or providing their teams with stress management techniques like mindfulness or exercise.
Behavioral symptoms
Burnout can manifest in a variety of ways, including changes in behavior like:
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Withdrawal or the tendency to isolate from others.
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Increased cynicism and negative attitudes about work and coworkers.
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An increase in absences from work, either through taking sick days or simply not showing up.
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Irritability
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Procrastination and difficulty in making decisions.
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Overworking can lead to further exhaustion and stress.
These behavioral symptoms can impact not only an individual's work life but also the team’s dynamic and office environment.
Why It's Important To Address Burnout?
Burnout isn't just a problem for companies - it can also have a huge impact on employees' mental health and well-being. When people are burnt out, they often feel like they can't cope with the demands of their job and may struggle to complete once-easy tasks. This can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression, which can spill over into other areas of their lives.
Employers have a responsibility to address burnout and create a supportive work environment that prioritizes employee well-being. This could involve offering mental health resources and encouraging open communication about stress and workload. By taking these steps, companies can help employees feel supported and valued, which can boost morale and productivity.
It's important to remember that employees are people, not machines. They have their own unique needs and limitations, and employers need to be aware of these to create a healthy and sustainable work environment. Addressing burnout isn't just good for business - it's the right thing to do.
It’s Not About One Persona, But A Team
It's important to acknowledge that burnout is not solely an individual problem, but rather a systemic issue that requires a collective effort to address. Employers need to create a culture that values work-life balance, promotes open communication, and provides support for mental health and well-being.
By doing so, they can foster a workplace where employees feel valued and respected, and where they can thrive both personally and professionally. As we navigate the challenges of the modern workplace, let's not forget the importance of prioritizing mental health and preventing burnout.
Kevin Mitchell, CPA
Senior Manager and CPA with over 20 years of experience in accounting and financial services, specializing in risk management and regulatory compliance. Skilled in managing audits and leading teams to deliver exceptional services. Proud father of two.
References
Boyd, D. (2023, February 15). Workplace Stress - The American Institute of Stress. The American Institute of Stress. https://www.stress.org/workplace-stress
