Burnout isn’t always about working too hard

When we think of burnout, we often picture the workaholic trope: the person spending 80+ hours a week at the office, working at a frenetic pace. Then one day they have a complete meltdown at work, start behaving erratically, and resign or get fired in dramatic fashion.

This can happen, but the more common form of burnout is much more insidious.

It is the slow erosion of hope.

Small setbacks compound into a weight that becomes increasingly difficult to carry. A difficult client. Constant conflict. Feeling unsupported. Working hard without seeing meaningful progress. None of these experiences may be enough to cause a crisis on their own, but over time they can take a significant toll.

Symptoms may include a dramatic psychological break. More often, they show up in quieter ways. A loss of enthusiasm for work. Feeling detached from the people you are supposed to support. Difficulty concentrating. Making mistakes with tasks that once felt straightforward. A sense that you are simply going through the motions.

If you are noticing any of these signs in yourself, a colleague, or an employee, take action. Hoping things will spontaneously improve is unlikely to help and may allow the situation to worsen.

If this is you, find someone you trust and ask to talk with them. If you do not have someone at work or home, check whether your organisation provides access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

If you are concerned about someone else, start with a conversation. Suspend your assumptions and stay curious. Set aside time to listen to their experience, resisting the urge to share your own "war stories" or immediately offer solutions.

Burnout rarely appears overnight. More often, it develops gradually and quietly. The earlier we notice the signs, in ourselves or others, the greater the opportunity to intervene before exhaustion becomes crisis.