Signs of Burnout at Work: A Guide for Employers

• Burnout is a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged workplace stress. It’s often triggered by excessive workloads, lack of control, and an unsupportive work environment.
• Businesses suffer from burnout through decreased employee productivity, higher turnover, poor workplace morale and increased health costs.
• Common signs include chronic fatigue, decreased productivity, detachment from work, irritability, absenteeism, and health problems.
• Employers can prevent burnout by promoting a better work-life balance, providing mental health support, and fostering a positive work culture.

Burnout is officially recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an occupational phenomenon with three main characteristics:

• Emotional Exhaustion – Feeling drained, fatigued, and overwhelmed by work.
• Depersonalisation or Cynicism – Developing a negative, detached, or indifferent attitude toward work.
• Reduced Professional Efficacy – Decreased confidence in one’s abilities and lower work performance.

Common causes of burnout include excessive workloads, lack of control over tasks, and an unsupportive work environment.

Although burnout is a personal phenomenon, it also has a significant impact on businesses.

According to the Health and Safety Executive in the 2023/24 period, approximately 776,000 workers in Great Britain suffered from work-related stress, depression or anxiety, leading to an estimated 16.4 million working days lost.

Burnout leads to:

• Reduced Productivity – Employees who are burned out struggle to meet deadlines and maintain efficiency.
• Higher Turnover Rates – Disengaged workers are more likely to quit, leading to increased hiring and training costs.
• Poor Workplace Morale – Burnout can spread within teams, creating a hostile and stressful work environment.
• Increased Health Costs – Employees struggling with burnout may require more medical leave and healthcare support.

One of the earliest and most noticeable signs of burnout is persistent fatigue.

Employees may feel physically and mentally drained, even after a full night’s sleep. This exhaustion can manifest in several ways:

• Struggling to wake up and start the day.
• Feeling drained and sluggish throughout the workday.
• Frequent headaches, muscle pain, or digestive issues.

If left unaddressed, this exhaustion can even weaken the immune system, making individuals more prone to illnesses.

Burnout can severely impact an employee’s ability to focus and complete tasks effectively. Key indicators include:

• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions.
• Decline in work quality and frequent mistakes.
• Procrastination and lack of motivation.

Even employees who were once highly efficient may struggle to keep up with their workload, leading to frustration and self-doubt.

Those experiencing burnout often become emotionally disconnected from their work. They may:

• Feel indifferent about tasks they once enjoyed.
• Withdraw from team activities and social interactions.
• Show signs of cynicism, such as making sarcastic remarks or being overly critical.

Separate to a complete lack of motivation, employees feeling detached from their work will still complete tasks but with little enjoyment or genuine effort.

Employees suffering from the effects of burnout are likely to be more irritable or short-tempered. Common signs include:

• Getting frustrated over minor issues.
• Frequent mood swings and emotional outbursts.
• Increased sensitivity to feedback or criticism.

This behaviour can affect workplace relationships, leading to conflicts and a tense atmosphere.

Stress and exhaustion from burnout often lead to sleep problems. Employees may experience:

• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
• Waking up feeling unrested despite sleeping for several hours.
• Frequent nightmares or anxiety-driven dreams about work.

Poor sleep quality further exacerbates fatigue, creating a vicious cycle of exhaustion and stress.

When overwhelmed by work, employees may start neglecting their health and well-being. Common signs include:

• Skipping meals or relying on unhealthy food choices.
• Lack of exercise or physical activity.
• Ignoring medical issues or failing to seek professional help when needed.

Deprioritising self-care is a strong indicator that burnout is taking a toll on a person’s life.

Employees experiencing burnout may start missing work more frequently or avoid responsibilities. Signs of this include:

• Calling in sick routinely, even when not physically ill.
• Leaving work early or arriving late without explanation.
• Avoiding team meetings or failing to respond to emails and messages.

This pattern of withdrawal can slow down or derail projects, and can eventually cause the employee to resign.

Burnout can make employees feel stuck in a cycle of exhaustion with no way out. They may:

• Feel powerless to improve their work situation.
• Experience a loss of confidence in their skills.
• Struggle to find motivation to seek new opportunities.

This sense of hopelessness can contribute to long-term mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.

Prolonged burnout can take a serious toll on physical health. Common symptoms include:

• Frequent headaches or migraines.
• High blood pressure and increased heart rate.
• Gastrointestinal problems like stomach pain or nausea.

If these health issues are ignored, they can reach the point where medical intervention is needed.

Employees who feel undervalued and overburdened with responsibilities are more likely to experience burnout. Common frustrations include:

• Lack of recognition for hard work.
• Unfair workload distribution compared to colleagues.
• Feeling unsupported by management or team members.

A work environment that lacks appreciation and fairness can quickly lead to disengagement and dissatisfaction.

Have you noticed employees who seem constantly drained, unmotivated, or detached from their work? These are early warning signs of burnout at work, and addressing them can help prevent long-term harm.

Support a healthier balance between work and personal life. Encourage employees to take breaks during the work day and use their annual leave.

Flexible work arrangements can also help reduce stress and improve engagement.

Offer resources such as employee assistance programmes (EAPs), counselling services, and mental health awareness training.

A supportive environment reduces stress and strengthens morale. Recognise employee contributions, encourage open communication, and create opportunities for collaboration.

Equip managers with the skills to recognise the signs of burnout at work and offer support. Providing leadership training in stress management can make a significant difference.

Set realistic workloads, ensure tasks are manageable, and allow flexibility to help employees maintain productivity and well-being.

Burnout is a growing workplace concern, but early recognition and proactive steps can help prevent it. One effective way to support employees is through training.

Our Mental Health Awareness Training course provides practical guidance on identifying mental health issues and creating a supportive work environment. It helps employees and managers create a healthier, more supportive workplace and reduce the risk of burnout.