We live in a stressful time. With 24/7 hour work expectations and constant innovations in technology there are more ambitions, decisions and distraction..overall just more demands on time and attention. As a result burnout syndrome is on the rise. Burnout is a psychological syndrome that includes components of exhaustion, cynicism and reduced personal self efficacy. Burnout leads to lack of engagement in the work environment, reduced productivity and increased job turnover. Want to under more on burnout and how to spot it read here
How to Measure Burnout: The three areas of burnout 1. exhaustion, 2. cynicism/depersonalization and 3. low self efficacy are measurable using the MBI-GS Assessment (to see how you or your team scores please email us at info@cbt-newyork.com). On the other end of the burnout spectrum is Engagement (Leiter & Maslash,2004)- characterized by a positive, motivated, energetic person looking to make contributions who has strong feelings of self efficacy.
The MBI -GS contains questions about relevant attitude and actions. The results create a profile for each individual’s burnout state at the time they answer the questions. The profile remind us that not every one experiences burnout in the same way and burnout is not permanent where by many elements are flexible and can change. Overall gaining an understanding where employees or you yourself land on this spectrum can be useful in reducing burnout.
Burnout and Stress
Chronic Stress is the primary contributor to burnout but stress it itself does not cause burnout.
Chronic Stress vs. Acute Stress: Normally when the brain is exposed to acute stressful situation there is an automatic flux and rebound effect that occurs to manage the body’s response to stress hormones in a healthy way. (Blue Line in the Image). But when someone is chronically stressed the rebound effect doesn’t happen as effectively (Red Line). They enter into mental and physical exhaustion The results are hazardous to the brain, body and mind. As a result they are more vulnerable to panic/anxiety attacks, depression and illness.
Chronic stress and the exhaustion phase makes the person susceptible to the 2 parts of burnout depersonalization-cynicism and lower self efficacy. This is because brain exposure to stress hormones triggers distancing and defensive “fight/flight” type of thinking with reduced information processing. Inevitably being tired and less engaged at work contributes to a lowering of self efficacy through lowering of personal productivity.
“Stress is not something one can out intellectualize but it is something you can out smart by practicing stress management routines”. Click here to find out about our Stress management Program as part of Executive CBT coaching programs in NYC or via Video Chat.
The other Causes of burnout syndrome. Stress itself is not enough to cause burnout but when someone is mentally and physically exhausted they have less energy to maintain emotional balance, maintain rational thinking , stay engaged and make positive contributions. And when when one of the following psychological situations are present at work it is likely they will develop more intense burnout.
- Poor energy management
- Role Conflict or Lack of Control over resources
- Lack Motivating rewards of financial and opportunities to contribute
- Fairness issues that erode faith in dependable decision make and just procedures
- Conflict based on value
- Lack of Community
How much these situations influence a persons’ burnout depends on their personality and coping strategies and surrounding culture and leadership. Personality traits and skills that involve resiliency, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution and stress management skills can reduce impact of many elements of these contributors.
Want more information on burnout? Interested in one of of programs designed for professionals and leaders? Contact us at info@cbt-newyork.com about our professional or personalhe burnout program.
Dr. Albin has a BBA in Banking in Finance, a Masters Developmental Psychology and PhD. in Clinical Health Psychology. She is considered an expert in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Is certified in EMDR, biofeedback, Kundalini Yoga and Gottman relationship therapy. She specializes in overcoming anxiety/image problems, burnout prevention at work and school, behavioral medicine and performance/optimal training thinking.
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