SKILLEX WEBINAR
How to Spot & Prevent Professional Burnout EVELYN VALTIN PEER COUNSELLOR
Education • ‘The Basics of Holistic Living’ • ‘Work That Reconnects’ • ‘Non-Violent Communication’ • ‘Peer Counselling’, i.e. ‘Peer Support’ • ‘Informatics’
Experience Peer Counselling, i.e. peer support Estonian Vegan Society and Estonian Society for the Protection of Animals Coordinator of International Grants and Europe for Citizens programme National Foundation of Civil Society Senior Specialist on Domestic Animals Tallinn City Environmental Board Director and Member of the Board Estonian Society for the Protection of Animals
Fact #1 “Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress.� Source: Helpguideorg International
Fact #2 “Nearly two-thirds of full-time workers are dealing with burnout at some point while at work. As a result, those employees are nearly three times as likely to start looking for another job.� Source: HR Exchange Network
Fact #3 “There are two types of stress: positive and negative stress. It is through positive stress that most people today end up with burnout. At the last stage of burnout, there is an 86% overlap with depression.� Source: Novaator
Burnout Experience 1
Burnout Experience 2 •
Knowledge about being made redundant in the near future
•
Corona lockdown and working remotely from home
•
80% of change in colleagues
•
Starting to work remotely, part-time and with reduced pay
•
Minimum face-to-face connection with colleagues
•
Change in the routines
•
New tasks and responsibilities
•
Looking for and doing extra work in other areas
My Own Learning Points • Better self-care instincts • Positive self-belief on ‘being enough’ • Less shame and guilt • Recognising my own patterns and triggers • Mindful self-compassion practices • Dealing with issues from childhood with the support of a qualified specialist
Common Causes of Burnout • Heavy workload • Unjust treatment at work • Lack of clarity on responsibilities • Constant time pressure • Lack of communication • Not enough support from a manager • Changes in working environment
Reasons for increased risk of burnout • Perfectionism
• Not being a good fit for the job
• Pessimism
• Feeling inadequate
• Excitability
• Not being able to say “No!”
• Not believing in the work
• Challenges in personal life
Signs of Burnout • Lack of energy and feeling tired • Physical discomfort and/or pain • Low interest in your work • Loss of enthusiasm • Decrease in performance
Stages of Burnout 1. Honeymoon 2. First Signs of Stress 3. Chronic Stress 4. Burnout 5. Habitual Burnout
Stage 1 - Honeymoon Experiencing predicted or common stresses of the job. • • • •
Commitment Satisfaction High energy levels Productivity
Intervening: Practising good habits and establishing routines for more challenging days.
Stage 2 – First Signs of Stress Noticing that some days being more difficult than others. Anxiety and irritability • Headaches • Bad sleep quality • Less social interaction •
Intervening: Taking time for breaks and time to rest. Focusing on the reasons why the task or job is important and appealing.
Stage 3 – Chronic Stress Experiencing stress on a frequent basis and symptoms are getting more intense. • Anger or aggressive behaviour
• • • •
Apathy Denial of the problems Missing deadlines Facing addictions
Intervening: Spending more time with family and friends to reduce the stress. Taking time off, resting, doing hobbies and going for vacations.
Stage 4 – Burnout Stage that is often referred to when talked about burnout. Issues are chronic and you are isolated from others. • • • • •
Behavioural changes Chronic pains and physical health issues Desire to move away Self-doubt Social isolation
Intervening: Taking a longer holiday from work to re-evaluate the situation, needs and career path. Might be reasonable to seek out professional help.
Stage 5 – Habitual Burnout Experiencing a significant physical or emotional problems. • • • •
Burnout syndrome Chronic mental and physical fatigue Constant sadness, Depression
Intervening: Clinical intervention for help and guidance is needed to turn this around (depression, chronic mental, and physical fatigue).
How anxiety relates burnout Anxiety is our body's natural response to stress. Anxiety disorder can lead to excessive nervousness, fear, apprehension, and worry.
Burnout and depression Burnout and depression share some similar symptoms, but they are two different conditions. At the last stage of burnout, there is an 86% overlap with depression.
Continuing difficulties – unemployment, abusive or uncaring relationship, long-term isolation or loneliness, prolonged work stress can lead to depression.
How to prevent burnout • Be aware of the signs • Ask questions from yourself • Know your patterns, emotions and needs • Learn to support yourself • Make changes • Ask for help • Talk to a qualified specialist • Notice changes in others
Questions! ?
Thank you! Keep an eye out for my forthcoming courses on the Skillex platform! In the meantime, you can reach me through info@skillex.com
EVELYN VALTIN PEER COUNSELLOR