Presented by: Maribeth Bohley M.A. Avoiding Job Burnout Presented by: Maribeth Bohley M.A.

This is the story of Don… When Don first started with his organization (the county), he loved his job! He went into work every day filled with purpose and passion, and he was excited about the difference he could make in his new role.

This is the story of Don… Three years later, however, it's hard to recognize him. Now, Don dreads going to work. He feels as if his work is meaningless, he's always detached and aloof, and he calls in sick frequently. Stress+ Exhaustion + long term disillusionment =

Don is experiencing some classic symptoms of burnout. If you've experienced this yourself, it's essential that you know how to prevent, cope with and recover from it, before you experience lasting damage to your sense of well-being and your career. That’s why we are here today…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPpv4gMZiTE Video Introduction

Is it “stress” or “burnout?” Vocabulary… Burnout is a state of physical and emotional exhaustion. It can occur when you experience long-term stress in your job, or when you have worked in a physically or emotionally draining role for a long time. You can also experience burnout when your efforts at work have failed to produce the results that you expected, and you feel deeply disillusioned as a result.

What’s the difference? Stress Burnout Characterized by over-engagement Emotions are over-reactive Produces urgency and hyperactivity Burnout Characterized by disengagement Emotions are blunted Produces helplessness and hopelessness Loss of motivation, ideals, and hope

The Results Stress Burnout Leads to anxiety disorders Primary damage is physical May kill you prematurely Burnout Leads to detachment and depression Primary damage is emotional May make life seem not worth living – may lead to suicide

Video Physiology of Stress & Burnout https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVk02DiUUPo Video Physiology of Stress & Burnout

What causes job Burnout?

What causes job burnout? Lack of control Unclear job expectations Dysfunctional workplace dynamics Mismatch in values Poor job fit Extremes of activity Lack of social support Work-life imbalance Depersonalization Reduced personal accomplishment Emotional exhaustion

Burnout - Physical Warning Signs and Symptoms Feeling tired and drained Lowered immunity; feeling sick Frequent headaches, back pain, muscle aches Change in appetite or sleep habits Chest pain, shortness of breath, sleeplessness, or heart palpitations. (Make sure that you see a physician about these!)

Burnout – Emotional Warning Signs and Symptoms Sense of failure & self doubt Feeling helpless, trapped, and defeated Detachment; feeling alone Loss of motivation Cynical & negative outlook Decreased satisfaction & sense of accomplishment

Burnout - Behavioral Warning Signs & Symptoms Withdrawing from responsibilities Isolating yourself Procrastinating Using food, drugs, or alcohol to cope Taking out frustrations on others Skipping work, being late, leaving early

You may be on the road to burnout if: Every day is a bad day. Caring about your work or home life seems like a total waste of energy. You’re exhausted all the time. The majority of your day is spent on tasks you find either mind-numbingly dull or overwhelming. You feel like nothing you do makes a difference or is appreciated.

Strategies for Combating Job Burnout Identify the cause Create balance Your physical health Time OUT Address it Talk it out Breathe The most important thing to do is regain control. 1. What's the cause? Figure out exactly what is causing you to feel burned out. For example: If you've been forced to take on extra work due to downsizing, ask your boss if some of your work can be distributed to other employees as well. 2. Create balance: Take it one step at a time. For example, if you've been staying at work late, or working on weekends gradually cut weekends out altogether. Plan your days, make checklists, delegate. Say "NO" more than you say yes. Also, make sure your giving attention to the other areas of your life - family, friends, fun, spirituality and especially yourself. 3. Your physical health: If you haven't had time for exercise, incorporate it into your schedule (20 minutes per day will do wonders for you physically, as well as for your psyche) Make sure you consume foods that fuel your body - not detract energy from it. 4. Time OUT: Getting away from the situation completely will help you shift your perspective. Take a vacation to refresh. Or if necessary, a leave of absence. Address it: If you're unhappy with areas of your job, talk it over with your boss. It won't do you any good to suffer in silence. Let him know what would improve the situation. Have ideas/solutions ready before your talk. 5. Talk it out: Talk to your spouse or a friend about what you're feeling. If the situation warrants it, seek professional counseling. Get it out of you.

GROUP ACTIVITY Count off by 3s 1,2,3

What do you do to recover from Burnout? Small Groups (3-4) Select spokesperson Make a list of things that work for you? What are you doing right now that help you avoid job burnout? 3. Share with class

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qKLdVTC8JE Video Clip

Your Proactive Action Plan to Prevent Burnout Take active responsibility for your career & life. Take care of your body’s basic needs. Create balance in your life. Develop interests outside of work. Take a vacation! Strengthen your body, mind, spirit and personal relationships. Focus on the positive. Recognize when you need help and ASK! One in three U.S. employees feels chronically overworked, and 54% have felt overwhelmed by work at some point in the past month, a study released this spring from the Families and Work Institute reveals. However, the Institute also found that although 79% of employees had access to paid vacation in 2004, 36% did not take advantage of their full slate of vacation days. Why the disconnect? Because we are in "a culture where being overworked is seen as a red badge of courage,'" FWI reports. To combat burnout, and keep employees refreshed and satisfied in their jobs, some employers are taking a novel approach - footing the bill for employees to take extended sabbaticals, sometimes even paying vacation expenses. For example, at Motek, a Beverly Hills, Calif.-based software firm, employees are eligible for $100 travel bonuses to supplement their five weeks of paid vacation per year, says HR director Caroline ...

Remember your EAP We are here to help you! Thank you

The Solutions Group Employee Assistance Program Life Challenges Formal/Informal referrals Confidential “Free” You and Family members living with you Up to three sessions, per topic, per person, per year Training Coaching