10 questions to identify workplace burnout
To no one’s great surprise, workplace burnout in the United States is on the rise. In a 2021 survey of 1500 US employees conducted by Indeed, self-reported experiences of burnout rose from 43% in early 2020 to 52% in 2021.
photo by Oscar Dario
The concept of workplace or occupational burnout dates back to the 1970s when American psychologist Herbert Freudenberger used the term to describe prolonged stress experienced by helping professionals. The World Health Organization defines occupational burnout as a “syndrome resulting from chronic work-related stress”.
Many of us watched the word gain popularity when millennials began entering the workforce in the early 2010’s and voiced their discontent with stressful work environments. But this state of prolonged mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion is no longer reserved for the younger set. Indeed’s study revealed experiences of burnout growing for every generation. Gen Xers reported the steepest increase, from 40% in 2020 to 54% in 2021.
As burnout becomes more commonplace, you may be wondering how you can identify workplace burnout. Every job has its pros and cons, so how can you be sure you’re not just experiencing a temporary season of difficulty rather than a chronic state of mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion?
Based on my own experience, research, and input from former colleagues, I’ve created a short, 10-question assessment to get to the root of your experience. Each question needs only a yes or no answer.
Ready to better understand your burnout? Grab a paper and pen to write down your responses. Once you finish the survey, keep reading for helpful responses and suggestions for healthy next steps.
Please note that this survey is intended as a helpful self-reporting exercise. Occupational burnout is not currently recognized as a medical diagnosis and this survey is in no way a replacement for evaluation by a medical or mental health professional. Consult your health care provider if you are seeking assessment, diagnosis, and treatment options.
10 Questions to Identify Workplace Burnout
by Lacy Tannous, AMFT, APCC
Do you frequently feel satisfied with your work?
Are you able to get a good night’s rest at least 5 nights a week?
Could you see yourself staying in your current line of work for the next couple years?
Is there room for growth in your profession?
Do you have the freedom to turn down or delegate work when you’re feeling overwhelmed?
Are you encouraged by your supervisors and colleagues to take time off from work (if you are the supervisor, do you model taking time off and encourage it for your employees)?
Do your colleagues offer support when you ask for it?
Is it easy to relax and unwind when you take a break from your job?
Are you developing areas of interest outside of your work?
Do you enjoy conversations, relationships, and interests that aren’t work-related?
Once the survey is complete, here’s a brief guide to interpreting your answers:
Did you answer “yes” to 7 or more questions?
You’re in the sweet spot of workplace sustainability. You likely know how to create, implement, and maintain boundaries that support your wellbeing outside of work.
Did you answer “yes” to 5 or more questions?
You have a good grasp on what it takes to stay grounded even when external factors are stressful. You could probably benefit from some tips for boundary setting and time to brainstorm what steps to take now in order to stay healthy in the long run.
Did you answer “yes” to 3 or more questions?
You have a few tools in place for dealing with stress at work, but you likely need more. Read below for a few tips to move forward and create healthy change.
Did you answer “yes” to any questions?
If your answer is “no”, then this survey may be confirmation that it’s time to shift out of your current role. Naming the need for change is a crucial first step. It’s also important to take time to reflect so you know what to look for in the next work environment.
Hopefully this brief survey gave you clarity about your experience of workplace burnout. Remember: over 50% of American workers reported feelings of burnout this year, so if you’re feeling burnout, you are far from alone. Here are a few tips for moving forward:
Get curious.
Look closely at your responses. What feelings do they bring up for you? Which questions were answered “no”, and why might that be the case? If your job can’t change in the near future, ask yourself if your relationship with work can change and what it would to take to make more a little more room for your wellbeing.
Show compassion.
Try to remain nonjudgmental about your answers. Treat yourself like you would a close friend by offering kindness and understanding rather than blame or criticism. You can hold yourself accountable for what needs to change without shaming the choices you made in the past. If this survey only confirms your desire to change jobs, break this desire into practical steps you can easily digest, like researching jobs that fit your interests.
Take your next step.
Every journey is personal and this step will be different for all of us. Some of us need to commit to firmer boundaries about working on the weekends. Others would benefit from reaching out to a trusted loved one and talking about what this survey revealed. If you’re not sure who to turn to, scheduling a consultation with a trusted therapist may be a great starting point for sorting out your options and processing emotions surrounding a change. Whatever your next step, know that all change takes time. There’s no rush on the journey to healing.
