As the year winds down, a familiar feeling settles over many of us: exhaustion. But is this just the natural weariness that comes with a busy year, or something more severe? Given how similar they seem to feel, being able to distinguish between year-end fatigue and burnout can be the difference between simply putting your feet up and ignoring your phone for a few days or having to take more drastic measures.
According to last year’s Deloitte’s Workplace Wellbeing study, many employees still struggle with unacceptably low levels of wellbeing. Around half of those surveyed found themselves “always” (52%) or “often” (49%) feeling exhausted. Almost one in every two employees felt stressed (49%), and others report feeling overwhelmed (43%), irritable (34%), lonely (33%), depressed (32%), and even angry (27%).
Spotting burnout before it’s too late:
Given the amount of time employees spend at work, whether in office or remotely, managers can play a crucial role in either causing or easing burnout. What’s more if it is not managed properly, burnout can have a serious affect on organisational productivity. Globally, studies show that up to 40% of employees are experiencing moderate to severe burnout with 95% of HR managers admitting burnout is hurting their organisations.
Employers and managers can play a vital role in identifying, addressing and limiting burnout. After all, for many of us, our workplaces are a big source of stress. Proactive managers should look out for decreased productivity, noticeable disengagement, frequent absenteeism, and emotional exhaustion among team members.
Spotting burnout can be a lot harder than we think. Employers and employees tend to assume that signs of burnout are obvious, but they rarely are. In fact, Marjorie Daniels, an executive coach and burnout strategist is quick to point out that it comes and goes in cycles.
Daniel says, “I had to go through burnout three times before I finally understood what was happening. The first time my family intervened, the second I laid all the blame at my organisation’s door, and it was only after my third encounter with it where I realised that the boundaries and habits I put in place are just as important as the company culture, if I want to avoid it happening again.”
Speaking at a recent webinar on workplace burnout, Bernise Games, Head of Marketing at YuLife South Africa explained, “Wellbeing is something that a lot of people and companies talk about but not something they don’t always get right. You see that in the rates of burnout. Companies have an increasing responsibility to create cultures that actively discourage burnout, but we still regularly see the opposite. Reducing burnout means being active and purposeful in reducing it and creating awareness.”
Recognising the Signs
Understanding whether you’re dealing with burnout or year-end fatigue starts with recognising the symptoms:
- You may have burnout if: You experience chronic exhaustion, emotional detachment, physical illness and feelings of helplessness. Your behaviour may also change.
- You may have year-end fatigue if: You experience a temporary lack of motivation and focus. This can usually be resolved by resting and recharging.
- You may have depression if: You feel constantly hopeless, have trouble sleeping, struggle to concentrate and feel listless. It is important not to self-diagnose and seek professional help.
How to manage burnout and fatigue
- Take action early: If you notice signs of burnout, seek help from a medical professional or trusted support network. Don’t wait until it becomes unmanageable.
- Rest with intention: Whether dealing with burnout or year-end fatigue, it is critical to rest intentionally. Instead of waiting for the moment to present itself, actively find the time to plan restorative activities such as journaling, exercising, or spending time with loved ones. Do something that works for you and engage with it meaningfully. This means that if you enjoy taking a walk, do that, but make sure you do it without any work distractions
- Take time away from your phone: While our phones may be incredibly useful, they are also designed to distract us. Create some phone free time where you can do an activity that you enjoy.
- Set boundaries: Boundaries are one of the vital ways individuals can manage burnout themselves. Without feeling guilt it is crucial to set the limits, avoid overcommitment and prioritise tasks.
Why it matters
Burnout is more than a buzzword; it’s a growing crisis. According to YuLife 77% of people in the workplace have experienced symptoms of burnout in the last 12 months. This impacts productivity, mental health and creates an environment for practices like coffee badging (showing up at work for the coffee) and presenteeism (a state of being physically at work but unable to function effectively).
By recognising the line between burnout and fatigue and addressing these challenges head-on, individuals and organisations can not only finish the year on a healthier note but also set themselves up for a more productive and fulfilling 2025.