“Burnout is just a case of misalignment.” - Heidi Hope

Introduction:

Employee burnout is a major issue in today's business world. It is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that is caused by prolonged and excessive stress. Burnout can lead to absenteeism, reduced work performance, decreased job satisfaction, and increased healthcare costs. 

Since 2020, funding and effectiveness of wellness programs are on the rise. Yet, at least 76% of employees are experiencing workplace burnout, according to Gallup's Perspective on Employee Burnout: Causes and Cures.

Create a Winning Hand

Recognize the Five Stages of Workplace Burnout

Burnout can sneak up on you if you are unaware of how stress is impacting your health. You are going through the daily grind and experiencing life. You blame all of the circumstances around you for how you feel. Your boss is setting unrealistic goals for you. The company just laid off more people and you think you may be next. You don't have enough time to exercise or eat right. You don't have the money. The list goes on.

But burnout is avoidable if you can recognize where you are in the five stages and take the necessary steps to properly manage yourself. Remember, leaving a company does not solve burnout. It just kicks the can down the road.

Identify Which Stage You are In

In Episode 2 of Investing in Vitality podcast, Shannon Vivar, Executive Director of the VitalityXchange Collective shares her personal experience with burnout in the workplace. It spanned a period of almost 10 years from pregnancy and promotion to changing companies and moving to the midwest. She acknowledges that there are many things that can add up over time to affect your health and wellbeing.

“Looking back at the journey now... You know, with the proverbial 2020 hindsight. I gambled with my Vitality at the Corporate High Roller Card Table.” - Shannon Vivar

While she had sought some support with an executive coach, she mostly tried to manage stress by herself. Her experience is one of the main reasons she created VitalityXchange Collective and is excited about the new programming, experiences and retreats that we are bringing to the marketplace. She knows that a community like this would have helped her manage her stress 100x better.

So, the real question is 'How does your lifestyle stack up against these five stages of burnout?' Check out our quick summary of the five stages of burnout, as portrayed in Episode 2 of Investing in Vitality podcast.

Stage 1: The Buy-In

The Honeymoon Phase

Employees start their job full of energy and enthusiasm. They are excited about the new opportunity and possibilities that come with the job. However, this phase can quickly vanish if the company does not provide the necessary resources and support. Company onboarding, training programs, and a welcoming work environment help employees feel confident and equipped to handle their tasks successfully.

Stage 2: The Small Blind

The Onset of Stress

As employees adjust to their new job, their workload and responsibilities increase. This stage is where they start to feel stress and anxiety because of unrealistic expectations, a lack of control in their work, or unsupportive colleagues or managers. Companies can combat this stage by ensuring employees have a constructive work environment that fosters feedback, open communication and a flexible work schedule. This allows employees to feel heard and empowered by making decisions and receiving positive feedback.

Stage 3: The Big Blind

Chronic Stress

In this phase, employees feel overwhelmed, exhausted and emotionally drained. They may experience physical symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, and fatigue. Employees can avoid this stage by tapping into company benefits especially if companies offer mental health benefits such as counseling, employee assistance programs (EAPs), and health insurance. These resources provide a safe space for employees to confide in someone who can help them alleviate stressors.

Stage 4: The Call

Burnout

This stage is where employees experience physical and mental exhaustion, depersonalization, and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment. They may feel like their work is futile, and it offers no sense of accomplishment. Companies can combat this stage by providing their employees with transformative work experiences, such as mentorship programs and career development opportunities.  Good employee experience requires not only leadership buy-in and passive support, but leaders who actively lead by example.

Stage 5: Dead Man's Hand

Habitual Burnout

The final stage is where an employee has experienced all the previous stages, and the effects of burnout become ingrained in their work. It usually takes a long time to get out of this stage, and sometimes an employee may never recover. The only way to avoid this stage is by proactively ensuring employees have time off to recharge and relax, including adequate vacation time away from their professional life.

Monitoring for burnout should be a top priority of everyone. Where are you on the Richter Scale?  

VitalityXchange Resources

Burnout and Workplace Wellness

Episode 2 of Investing in Vitality dives into the five stages of burnout that can be affecting employees and how companies can support employee wellbeing through company benefits, employee experience and integrated and trauma-informed strategies. Hear first-hand from our Vitality Professionals Wolf Castillo and Jen Liss, as well as our guest Heidi Hope. These three wellness coaches talk about everything from the flow cycle to employee experience and self-reflection of personal burnout.

Video Time Stamps

00:00 The Unseen Pressure of Achievement and Burnout

00:31 The Global Epidemic of Workplace Burnout

01:09 Personal Journey Through Corporate Burnout

01:44 The High Cost of Corporate Grind Culture

04:40 The Shift Towards Employee Well-being and Mental Health

05:29 Exploring the Flow State as a Burnout Solution

06:43 The Critical Role of Rest and Recovery

07:20 Innovative Employee Benefits and Engagement Strategies

08:15 The Challenge of Creating Effective Employee Experience

10:35 Navigating the Stages of Burnout and Recovery

11:45 The Future of Workplace Wellness and Closing Thoughts

External Resources

CORRECTION: In Episode 2 of Investing in Vitality podcast, the referenced statistic about the study that indicated that 21% wanted money in their pockets for their efforts should have been 28% instead. The video accurately portrays the 28% statistic but the audio states 21%.

Here are links to more resources mentioned in the episode:

• Gallup's Perspective on Employee Burnout: Causes and Cures

• Gallup State of the Global Workplace 2023 Report: The Voice of the World's Employees

• Aon Global Wellbeing Survey Report 2022-2023

• Global Wellness Institute Health and Wellness Coaching in the Workplace for Sustainable Business Outcomes [March 2023]