You’re feeling burnt out at work. How can you get the break you need?

Burnout can happen when highly engaged employees begin to have low well-being due to poorly managed personal and/or workplace stressors. It’s also “contagious” — it can spread toxicity across a team or spill into people’s home life The good news is, burnout is preventable. With strong manager support and an understanding of what causes job burnout, employers can more readily know how to prevent burnout in employees. These drivers should include Challenging but achievable goals;Maintaining a reasonable number of work hours;Realising personal potential and learning new things;Using their greatest strengths;Fitting professional abilities with role and responsibilities;Feeling valued and respected; supportive Manager and Organziation

Take a deep breath. It's important to talk to yourself before you talk to anyone else. Get your thoughts clear. before going to your boss or HR, talk to your buddy. Speak out. Clear your mind. Identify the root cause of problem and have a solution in your mind crystal clear. Then go to your manager or HR. You will get a big surprise. What's there in your mind as a solution, is what you will hear from them. Its magic but true Try it out.

Tapping into the underrated power of humour, imagine describing your burnout to a friend over coffee with a dash of wit: "I'm at a level where my coffee needs a coffee." Assessing your situation isn't just about the when and what; it's delving into the why. Why does your email inbox feel like a black hole? Why does your desk resemble a scene from a disaster movie? Reflect on the triggers and ponder a break that doesn't just put a Band-Aid on the issue but acts as a reset button—whether it’s mastering the art of saying no, delegating like a pro, or finding joy in the chaos.

Take a break and a deep breath. Leave the work and start walking in a place where you can ask the following questions yourselves, 1. Why did i start this work? 2. How was i planned this work for completion? 3. What were the alternative plans that are charted out? 4. Is it time to gather the learning and start over? After this, you will find a way to move on or seek help. It works.

Recognising the signs of becoming (or approaching) burn-out is a GREAT start! When assessing your situation, looking for causes and biggest issues also consider what your boundaries look like. Often for people who burn out, boundaries are poor. They feel they need to work longer, harder, take on more, rather than take a break, get some rest, delegate or ask for help. Getting some boundaries in place, adds structure which acts as scaffolding to the day, to the workload, to the pressure. Because if you take a break, and come back to do the same things in the same way, .... nothing will change in the long run .. except your health!

Feeling burnout signals a crucial time to listen to your body's warning. Explore your company's offerings for relief: time-off policies, sabbaticals, or mental health programs with providers like MyndUp, Nilo Health, and Mindsurance. If these aren't available, communicate openly with your manager or team lead. Solutions are always within reach, whether it's reducing hours, taking extended time off, or temporarily lightening your workload. The best time to address burnout is now. Taking this seriously and possibly stepping back can propel you two steps forward, ensuring your well-being and career thrive together.

Diving deeper into your options, consider the less-trodden path: sabbaticals or professional development leave. Not all companies shout about these, but they can be gold mines for rejuvenation while adding value to your career. Picture this: you're not just stepping away; you're levelling up or exploring parallel interests that enrich your main role. Make your case by showing how this time can lead to new skills, perspectives, or projects benefiting both you and the company. It's a win-win wrapped in professional growth.

While prepping your case, consider integrating a dose of creativity with hard data. Imagine pitching a "self-recharge project" tailored just for you. Use metaphors - liken your break to a system reboot, promising enhanced performance post-refresh. Dig into past examples where a pause led to significant breakthroughs, perhaps even in your own work history. This isn't merely a timeout; it's strategic rejuvenation. Assert that a well-rested brain is a powerhouse of innovation, ready to tackle challenges with renewed vigour. Remember, you're not asking for a favour; you're proposing a strategic investment in the company's most valuable asset – you.

Letting your team know that you need time-off when you are burn out is important. Burn-out means time to reset and get reconnected with yourself and if your team doesn't accept this it time to reconsider if it is the best culture for you.

To effectively address feeling burnt out at work, it's crucial to plan a break that prioritizes mental and physical well-being. Start by identifying the root cause of your burnout and communicate openly with your manager about your need for time off. Plan your break with activities that help you relax and recharge, setting clear boundaries to disconnect from work. Embrace self-care practices during your break, such as exercise, meditation, and spending time with loved ones. Use this time to reflect on your work situation and reassess priorities to prevent burnout in the future. By prioritizing self-care and planning your break thoughtfully, you'll return to work with renewed energy and focus.