Burnout Myths
This mini-series highlights the myths that are often associated with burnout. We’ve gathered them all here for your reference needs:
Burnout myth #1 - Experiencing burnout means "You're weak, and you can't handle work stress."
Nope, not even close.
Individuals who consider their jobs stressful tend to experience more burnout. However, the relationship between job stress and burnout is more complex. According to Paula Davis, who writes for Psychology Today, job stress only leads to burnout when individuals feel that their efforts are not yielding significant results or making a difference.
Interestingly, Davis notes that when individuals experience burnout, they tend to put in more effort than when they are not experiencing burnout.
Burnout myth #2 - Experiencing burnout means "I HAVE TO CHANGE JOBS OR MAKE A MAJOR LIFE CHANGE."
Not quite.
"If you're experiencing burnout, you may need to make some changes to incorporate more boundaries around your time and energy and increase your stress resilience. According to Paula Davis, a writer for Psychology Today, one method you can try to recalibrate your job demands is to use a technique called Job Crafting. This technique involves using your values, strengths, and passions to think of new ways to expand or alter the tasks you perform, how you relate to your colleagues, and/or how you feel about your job as a whole.
It's important to remember that setting boundaries is only effective if you have the ability and determination to enforce them. If possible, work with your manager to set reasonable limits."
Burnout myth #3 - Experiencing burnout means "I HAVE TO KEEP IT A SECRET."
Not always.
The decision to talk about it depends on the amount of trust you have with your supervisor. While there's not enough trust to speak with your manager sometimes, you're likely showing signs of burnout in your daily interactions, and someone will take notice. Psychology Today's Paula Davis advises: "This is not a conversation to wing or to have off the cuff—you need to prepare. If you can't talk to your boss, talk to a friend, coach, significant other, or healthcare professional."
Burnout myth #4 - All you need is a vacation, and you're cured.
While taking time away from work can help reduce stress levels, it's essential to understand that burnout persists even after returning to work. Simply taking a break may not be enough to recover from burnout fully. Addressing the underlying issues within your job or organization that contribute to burnout and stress is essential.
To begin addressing burnout, it's important to identify the root causes of your stress. Are you overworked or underappreciated? Are you facing unrealistic expectations or a lack of support from your colleagues or supervisors? Once you've identified the underlying issues, you can develop a plan to address them.
It's also crucial to understand that not all breaks are created equal. While time away from work can be restorative, it's essential to make sure that you use that time wisely. Engage in activities that are truly enjoyable and restful for you. This can be anything from relaxing to spending time with friends and family to pursuing a hobby or interest you're passionate about. By taking these steps, you can work towards a healthier, more sustainable work-life balance.
Burnout myth #5 - If you're burned out, you must also be depressed.
Research suggests that burnout is not always linked to depression. According to a recent article by Paula Davis in Psychology Today, only a proportion of burnout cases, around 20 percent, can be attributed to depression.
It's worth noting that burnout can also act as a "gateway illness" that could lead to the development of other physical and mental health problems. This means that it's important to recognize and address burnout promptly to prevent it from escalating and causing further health complications.
Burnout myth #6 - Burnout and stress are one and the same.
Stress is a common occurrence that affects us all. It happens when we face a stressful situation, and our body responds mentally and physically. Once we overcome the stressor, we return to our normal state. However, burnout is a different story. It occurs when our stress response is prolonged and uncontrolled. It can be challenging to manage stressors when they persist, making it difficult for us to return to our undisturbed state.
We understand that vacation alone cannot solve the issue, as the triggers that cause burnout still exist. Recognizing the signs of burnout and taking steps to manage stressors effectively is essential. Remember, you are not alone.
Burnout myth #7 - Burnout is a "personal" problem.
Dr. Christina Maslach, a social psychologist, has researched occupational burnout extensively and identified six categorical mismatches that commonly lead to burnout in individuals. These categorizations are workload, control/autonomy, reward/recognition, sense of community, fairness/respect, and personal values.
In detail, when an individual perceives a mismatch in workload, they may feel overwhelmed or underutilized, leading to stress and exhaustion. Control/autonomy mismatch occurs when an individual feels restricted in their ability to make decisions or have a say in their work processes. The lack of reward/recognition for one's efforts can lead to feelings of demotivation and dissatisfaction. A sense of community mismatch arises when an individual feels disconnected or unsupported by their colleagues or organization. Unfairness or lack of respect can cause anger, frustration, and resentment. Lastly, a mismatch in personal values occurs when an individual's ethical or moral beliefs are not aligned with their organization's values.
It is important to note that these mismatches are likely outside of an individual's control, and thus, it is essential to address them at the organizational level. By doing so, organizations can enhance employee satisfaction, reduce turnover rates, and promote a healthy work environment.
Burnout myth #8 - Burnout is caused by working too much.
There is a widely held belief that working long hours or a heavy workload inevitably leads to burnout. However, recent studies suggest that this is not entirely true. The likelihood of burnout depends mainly on the availability of resources and support necessary to perform the job. If a job lacks the necessary resources, autonomy, and control to carry out its tasks effectively, burnout becomes an inevitable consequence.
On the other hand, if a job provides adequate resources, support, and control, burnout may not be a factor, even if the workload is heavy. In general, people who feel a sense of control and autonomy over their work are more likely to remain engaged and motivated, even when dealing with high workloads. By contrast, those who feel unsupported and lack the necessary resources to perform their duties are more likely to experience burnout, regardless of their workload.
Therefore, employers need to create an environment that supports their employees and enables them to work effectively. This includes providing sufficient resources, training, and support to allow employees to work autonomously and feel in control of their work. By doing so, employers can help prevent burnout while boosting employee engagement, motivation, and productivity.
Sources:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/pressure-proof/201510/5-myths-about-burnout-and-the-truth-we-need-to-understand
https://www.inc.com/martin-zwilling/6-mismatches-in-workplace-lead-to-low-engagement-resignations.html
#jobstress #burnout #mentalhealth #worklifebalance #employeehealth #selfcare #stress #resilience #jobcrafting #boundaries #values #strengths #passions #trust #BurnoutSigns #SupportSystem #restoration #support #plan #hobby #passion #wellness #recovery #vacation #family #friends #rootcauses #overworked #underappreciated #unrealisticexpectations #breaks #sustainability #MentalHealthAwareness #SupportFacultyMembers #EducationSystem #CaringForEducators #EmpathyInEducation #MentalHealthMatters #WellbeingOfEducators #FacultySupport
