No job or workplace is stress-free. Every role comes with pressures, but that’s not always a bad thing.
A little stress can motivate us to get things done, meet deadlines, and perform at our best. And doing well at work often leads to greater job satisfaction, which is good for how we feel about ourselves.
It gives us a sense of purpose, connects us to others, and provides financial security.
But sometimes, the stress becomes too much.
Long hours, heavy workloads, looming deadlines, poor relationships with colleagues, conflict, bullying or harassment, a lack of support, or a lack of appreciation can all contribute.
When this pressure builds up, it can feel overwhelming.
This not only affects a person’s health and wellbeing, it also impacts an organisation’s productivity, with work-related stress the second most common compensated illness or injury and is linked to the longest periods of absenteeism.
What stress looks like
Everyone experiences stress differently. What’s manageable for one person might be overwhelming for another.
It depends on the job, the individual’s psychological makeup, general health, and life outside of work.
Stress can show up in many ways: panic attacks, constant tension, trouble sleeping or eating, increased irritability, or more headaches and feelings of fatigue.
Some people may smoke or drink more than usual.
At work, signs might include arriving late, taking more sick days, avoiding meetings, difficulty concentrating, or withdrawing from others. Left unaddressed, this can lead to burnout.
Burnout and stress are not the same thing
Burnout results from stress that hasn’t been managed successfully.
It’s marked by exhaustion, a sense of detachment from the job, and feeling like you’re not performing well.
It’s not something a holiday can fix.
While stress means someone is still trying to cope, burnout is when they’ve run out of energy and given up on being able to overcome any challenges.
Burnout goes deeper than just being tired. It brings feelings of hopelessness and disillusionment.
Life can feel empty, and even basic tasks become overwhelming. Motivation disappears, and the things they once cared about no longer matter.
It’s not always about the job itself. Personal traits, past experiences, and life circumstances all influence the risk of burnout.
Two people may face the same pressures, but only one experiences burnout. For men, in particular, certain social expectations can make it even harder.
How does burnout in the workplace affect men?
As always, societies’ norms and cultural expectations play a significant role in how men are affected by the stresses of work.
Men often feel the pressure to be the ‘breadwinner’ and to appear strong and stoic, which can prevent them for reaching out to others for help and support.
It affects them at home too – with men being less present for their partners and children.
How to help overcome burnout
Job burnout can seriously affect a man’s health and wellbeing. But you can help someone suffering from job burnout by recognising it and taking steps to support them.
How to recognise job burnout in a team member:
- Increased irritability or negativity. They may express cynical or critical views about their work or colleagues.
- Decreased productivity. A noticeable decline in their work performance or missing deadlines.
- Physical symptoms. They complain of headaches, fatigue, or changes in sleep patterns.
- Withdrawal from work activities. You notice they are avoiding social interactions, meetings, or collaborative projects.
- Lack of motivation. They show disinterest in tasks they previously found engaging.
- Increased absenteeism. There are frequent unexplained absences or arriving late and leaving early.
- Difficulty concentrating. They are struggling to focus on tasks or making mistakes more often.
- Substance use. They may start relying on alcohol, drugs, or other substances as a coping mechanism to deal with stress or emotional exhaustion.
Ways to provide support to a team member experiencing job burnout:
- Be a good listener. Provide a non-judgmental space for them to share their feelings and challenges.
- Encourage professional help. Provide them access to support from mental health professionals or employee assistance programs.
- Help them manage their load. Help prioritise tasks or redistribute work to alleviate pressure.
- Promote work-life balance. Encourage regular breaks and setting boundaries between work and personal time.
- Recognise their efforts. Boost their morale (and your team’s) by acknowledging and appreciating their contributions.
- Share stress management resources. Provide information on coping strategies, such as mindfulness or relaxation techniques.
- Advocate for organisational support. Encourage management to address workplace factors contributing to burnout.
Recognising and addressing burnout is crucial for maintaining a healthy and productive work environment.
But remember, it’s not up to you to diagnose or be the only support a person on your team has.
There are many places you and your team members can go to for professional advice and support.
If you need support, call one of the following numbers:
- Lifeline Australia | 13 11 14
- Lifeline New Zealand | 0800 543 354
- Kids Helpline | 1800 55 1800
- MensLine Australia | 1300 78 99 78
- Suicide Call Back Service | 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue | 1300 22 4636
- Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling | 1800 011 046
- Qlife – anonymous and free LGBQTIA peer support | 1800 184 527 – (3pm to Midnight every day)
- Thirrili 24/7 | 1800 805 801
- Brother to brother 24-hour crisis line | 1800 435 799
Useful resources
- Health Direct. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/work-related-stress
- Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/burnout/art-20046642
- Beyond Blue. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/work/burnout
- Black Dog Institute. https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/news/experiencing-burnout-heres-what-to-do-about-it/
- Headspace. https://headspace.org.au/explore-topics/for-young-people/work-burnout/
- Better Health Victoria. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/work-related-stress
- Australian Psychological Society. https://psychology.org.au/for-the-public/psychology-topics/stress-in-the-workplace
- Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/the-right-mindset/202011/the-surprising-difference-between-stress-and-burnout
- American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/01/special-burnout-stress
