What do you do if your supervisor or manager is unaware of your burnout?

1 Assess Honestly

Begin by taking an honest assessment of your feelings and workload. Acknowledge the symptoms of burnout, such as chronic fatigue, insomnia, forgetfulness, increased illness, loss of appetite, anxiety, and decreased satisfaction. Recognizing these signs is the first step in developing a strategy to address the issue. It's crucial to understand the severity of your burnout before approaching your supervisor, as this will help in communicating the seriousness of your situation effectively.

2 Initiate Dialogue

Once you've acknowledged your burnout, initiate a private and honest dialogue with your supervisor. Choose a time when you can speak without interruptions and express your concerns clearly. Use "I feel" statements to describe how burnout is affecting your work performance and well-being. This approach can help prevent your supervisor from feeling defensive and encourage a more empathetic response. Remember, the goal is to find solutions, not to cast blame.

3 Offer Solutions

When discussing burnout with your supervisor, come prepared with potential solutions. These might include delegating tasks, adjusting deadlines, or even taking some time off to recuperate. Proposing practical steps shows that you're proactive about finding a way forward and willing to work with your supervisor to reduce stressors. This collaborative mindset can make it easier for your supervisor to support the changes needed to help you recover.

4 Set Boundaries

Setting clear boundaries is essential for managing work-related stress and preventing future burnout. Discuss with your supervisor what reasonable limits you can set on your availability and workload. This might involve specifying times when you are not expected to answer emails or establishing a maximum number of hours you will work each week. Setting these boundaries can help ensure that you have enough time to rest and recharge.

5 Monitor Progress

After implementing strategies to combat burnout, it's important to monitor your progress. Keep an open line of communication with your supervisor to provide updates on your well-being and work-life balance. If necessary, be prepared to revisit the conversation and adjust strategies as needed. Monitoring how the changes are affecting your burnout symptoms will help you maintain control over your work life and prevent relapse.

6 Seek Support

If your burnout persists despite having a conversation with your supervisor and implementing changes, consider seeking support from other resources. This could involve talking to a human resources representative, seeking professional counseling, or finding a support group for people experiencing workplace stress. External support can provide additional perspectives and strategies to help you manage your burnout effectively.