Signs of burnout: 

• You used to love your work, but now it exhausts you emotionally and physically.
• You’re accomplishing less and less.
• You feel increasingly cynical about your work, employer, or clients.
• You’re forgetful about appointments, misplace possessions, make more mistakes, and overlook deadlines.
• You need more time alone.
• You’re irritable in traffic and waiting in lines.
• You have unexplained headaches, stomachaches, or backaches.
• You’re frequently angry and lash out at others.
• You regularly think about running away or quitting your job.

If some or all of these symptoms apply to you or an employee, you’re probably experiencing or witnessing burnout. Burnout is mental or physical exhaustion. It is often denied or ignored by sufferers, and can affect anyone in any workplace.

It is especially prevalent when layoffs or consolidation force remaining employees to accept added responsibilities under stressful conditions. Often employers only notice burnout when it threatens to cost individuals their jobs or relationships.

Try or suggest these ideas to prevent or overcome the effects of burnout:

• Exercise regularly.
• Set aside a daily personal rejuvenation time. No thoughts of work, no phone calls, no interruptions.
• Put a sign on your desk that says “Breathe.” Breathe deeply and slowly every time you see it.
• Get enough sleep.
• Take regular weekend trips or long drives.
• Experience nature.
• Take up or resume favorite pastimes or a hobby.
• Beautify your workspace.
• Be assertive. Learn to say “no” when others demand too much.
• Be creative. Learn to have fun.
• Help others.

Learn to recognize, prevent, and treat burnout before it adversely affects your employees and your business.

Source: Susan Vaughn  “Career Makeover; Burnout Can Strike Anyone, So Be Vigilant About Its Symptoms”  Los Angeles Times  shrm.org