Everywhere, burnout seems to be affecting more and more people. It makes no distinction between bosses, managers and employees.
To prevent it, it is important to recognize the main symptoms of burnout to take necessary action quickly.
Definition of Burnout
The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) defines burnout as: “A syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.”
Burnout is characterized by three dimensions:
- Feeling of energy depletion
- Negativism or cynicism related to one’s job
- Reduced professional efficacy
Burnout specifically refers to phenomena related to the professional context. It is due to working conditions.
The Top 10 Symptoms of Burnout
The symptoms of burnout are often confusing. Here are 10 of the most identifiable symptoms:
- Increasingly frequent absences from work
- Difficulty concentrating on tasks
- Responsibilities perceived as increasingly stressful
- Unusual delays in tasks
- Loss of self-confidence, worry, anxiety
- Feeling of incompetence
- Appearance of addictions (alcohol, tobacco, medication, drugs)
- Tendency to isolate from colleagues
- Insomnia, headaches, nausea, dizziness
- Musculoskeletal problems (tendonitis, bursitis, arthritis)
What Are the Main Causes of Burnout?
Here are the main causes of burnout:
- Excessive workload
- Inefficient work processes
- Lack of support
- Inability to influence decisions related to one’s work
- Unhealthy work environment (bullying, harassment)
- Lack of autonomy
- Work-life balance issues
Terry Pomerantz has noticed that some external factors can exacerbate burnout: “Burnout can also stem from factors outside the workplace, such as financial problems, tensions within a couple or with children, worries about the health of a family member. These difficulties come on top of the usual professional challenges. For the person trapped in such a situation, nothing can go right! Both at work and at home, they are no longer able to cope with everyday tasks. And yet, before “sinking”, this person had been performing very well at work for several years. Suddenly, she changes. Unfortunately, even the best people can reach their breaking point.”
How to Treat Burnout?
In the case of burnout, it can be very beneficial to be accompanied by a mental health professional.
It is an opportunity to reassess with a neutral interlocutor. Psychological follow-up allows the person to understand what irritates them in their work environment. They will be able to better set boundaries and put their responsibilities into perspective while recreating social ties with colleagues.
How to Have Burnout Recognized by Your Employer?
Here is the procedure to follow if you are suffering from burnout, need to take a long medical leave during which you will not be paid by your employer or your health insurance:
- Consult a doctor or a specialized nurse practitioner to obtain a medical certificate confirming burnout.
- Quickly notify your employer and provide them with a copy of the medical certificate.
- If the benefits offered by your employer do not cover the entire period of your medical leave, file a claim with CNESST as soon as possible.
- Based on the documents you provide, CNESST will determine if you are eligible.
- You will need to undergo all requested medical exams and follow all prescribed treatments by your healthcare professional.
- If CNESST recognizes that you are unable to perform your job due to burnout, you will be entitled to income replacement until CNESST determines that you can return to work.
How to Help Someone Suffering from Burnout?
To help someone experiencing burnout, it is important to adopt a multidimensional approach that emphasizes the person’s ability to heal themselves while reducing stress factors in their work environment. It is important to:
- Recommend the person to a competent resource that will help them develop their own coping strategies.
- At work, provide them with the opportunity to take breaks when requested.
- Adapt the professional context by reducing stress sources that affect them.
Repercussions of Burnout on Family
Most people suffering from burnout fear they will never return to a normal life. They become anxious, exacerbating the difficulties experienced by those around them and their family. A heaviness gradually settles at home, often compromising the couple’s relationship and interactions with children.
The Pomerantz Foundation invites you to contribute
In its latest report (April 2024), the Institute for Socioeconomic Research and Information (IRIS) notes that in Montreal, the viable income for a family of four ranges between $72,788 and $86,585. Imagine the consequences for children living with particular conditions when one form or another of burnout compromises a parent’s income!
This is why it is urgent to help children and families living below the poverty line. Terry Pomerantz invites you to add your contribution to those of all donors and supporters of the Pomerantz Foundation.
Entrepreneur and prominent figure in Montreal's real estate and manufacturing sectors, Terry Pomerantz approaches every aspect of life with heart and character. At the helm of Domfoam and T.R.A.M.S Property Management, he carries on his late father's legacy while dedicating his philanthropic commitment to the Pomerantz Foundation, which has been actively supporting children's causes since 1991.