When the work doesn't work for you...

Do you feel lethargic to go to work?
Are you typically cynical at office?
Do you lack a sense of satisfaction and achievement?
Are you often irritated or impatient with co-workers, customers or clients?
Have you noticed any significant changes in your appetite and sleeping habits?
Do you often complain of headaches, backaches or other physical problems?
Are you experiencing a misfit between your abilities and the job design?
Do you feel like you lack the ability to be more productive at work?
Is there a general feeling of hopeless about life or work?
Do you usually think of new ways to avoid accepting more work?

If your answer is ‘yes’ to most of the above questions, indubitably you are experiencing a job burnout. Some of these symptoms can also indicate certain health conditions such as depression. Ignored or unaddressed job burnout can have dire consequences, manifesting into fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, excessive stress and depression. A lot of negativity also seeps into personal relationships affecting domestic life. There are instances where one may also resort to alcohol or substance abuse to cope with the frustration.

Identify the causes

Various factors can contribute to a job burnout. Let’s look at some of the major issues:

Lack of control: A lack of engagement in decision-making — such as your schedule, assignments or workload — could lead to exhaustion. Improper work delegation, lack of empowerment and dearth of resources to carry on the tasks can asphyxiate the employee.

Role ambiguity: Lack of clarity on job expectations and key result areas, additional responsibility without proper authority and poor communication with immediate supervisor are some of the causes that make the environment at work uncomfortable and chaotic.

Square peg in a round hole: If your job doesn’t fit your interests and skills, it may become increasingly stressful over time. You may feel underutilised and lack the motivation to perform routine tasks.

Mismatch in values:  If your values deviate from the way your employer does business or handles customers and their grievances, this disparity may ultimately take a toll on your confidence level at work.

Dysfunctional group dynamics : A dictatorial boss who micromanages may suffocate your workspace. Additionally, dirty office politics, being bullied by senior employees and the office grapevine can create tension and annoyance.

Tremendous workload: When a job is largely repetitive, monotonous or disordered, you need invariable energy to remain focused — which, in turn, can lead to weariness and job suffocation. At times, even strong identification with work that lacks a rational balance
between professional and personal life coerces you to be everything to everyone, thereby losing control over your life. Monotonous work with no novel assignments or challenges can also aggravate such situations.

Dealing with it

The key is not to suffer in silence for too long. As soon as you begin to experience the signs of exhaustion at work, take immediate action. Here’s how:

 Assess your options: Share your concerns with your immediate boss and see if you can work together to reach a viable solution. How about flex timings, job sharing, and job rotation? Can telecommuting be a feasible option? Will it be helpful if you are assigned a mentor at work? Is it a good idea for the company to arrange for some further training or professional education for you on the basis of a training needs analysis?

Tune your attitude: If you have become sceptical at work, consider ways to improve your outlook. Rediscover enjoyable aspects of your work. Recognise co-workers for valuable contributions or a job well done. Spend time away from work doing things you enjoy. Take short breaks throughout the day and identify what’s fueling your
feelings of job burnout. Chalk out a plan to address the pertinent issues at work.

Seek support: Reaching out to dependable co-workers, friends or loved ones for support and collaboration may help you cope with job stress and feelings of burnout. If you have access to an employee assistance programme (EAP), take advantage of it. Source a senior mentor who can offer guidance and help you re-adapt to the environment at office.

Assess your interests and skills: A sincere assessment can help you
decide if you should consider an alternative job — perhaps you may want one that’s less demanding or something that best matches your interests or core values.

The bottom line is to keep an open mind as you mull over all the options. No matter what, don’t let a demanding or unrewarding job undermine your health and happiness.