Burnout and the Effects in the Working Environment

Burnout and the Effects in the Working Environment




Burnout is a relatively recently emotional condition, caused by employment stress and the lifestyle that the employee leads. Even though at the beginning, it occurs in the workplace, the symptoms, including depression and anxiety, extent to social and family life. In an era where work is an important part of personal identity, it would be important to evaluate the effect of extreme labour stress in an employee.

This phenomenon has only been recently identified, but that does not imply that the cause of the phenomenon is recent. Laboural burnout is considered an extreme variation of workplace stress. This stress generally occurs as a result of a threat: the hypothalamus releases a signal and the suprarenal glands secrete hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones generate physical changes such as increased blood pressure and mood change. When this stimulus is resolved, hormones return to their regular levels.

The issue occurs when the stress stimulus happens constantly, and the hormones are present in the bloodstream constantly. This excessive stress is connected to risks that increase possibilities of health issues, such as heart problems and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

Burnout has been described by the World Health Organization as the result of chronic stress from work that has not been dealt with successfully. It is characterized by three factors, feeling exhausted, negative feelings regarding work and reduction of professional efficacy. The WHO does not consider it a mental health illness, but an occupational phenomenon connected to employment or unemployment, which can potentially influence health.

A study by Martinez (2018) indicated that the population which was most likely to suffer from burnout were those who worked directly with people, such as teachers, medical professionals or service employees. Moreover, increased likelihood is also connected to working long hours, especially significantly more hours than stipulated in the contract. It is also easier for an employee to be burnt out in a work environment where they are not satisfied with management.

Burnout syndrome would generate feelings of exhaustion and negativity with respect to work, low productivity and low self-esteem. The increased prevalence highlights the importance of checking what small changes can be done in a work environment in order to ensure and support workers’ mental health, especially given the fact that work is increasingly a base element of identity and a mediator of self-realization. It is a shared responsibility between the worker and the company to ensure that this syndrome is prevented, increasing the quality of life of the worker, even in small ways.

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Tips on Preventing Nurse Burnout

Practicing self-care and mindfulness is one of the best ways for nurses to prevent burnout. This includes regulating one's shift schedule as much as possible and avoiding overloaded responsibilities whenever possible.

1. Develop Strong Interpersonal Relationships

2. Set Boundaries Between Work and Personal Life

3. Get Enough Sleep

4. Care for Your Physical and Mental Health

5. Seek Out Regular Therapy or Assistant Programs

10 Questions: Nursing Burnout Edition

https://nursejournal.org/resources/tips-for-avoiding-nurse-burnout/

References

Abanto, K. (2019). ¿Qué es el burnout o el síndrome de desgaste profesional?. De https://elcomercio.pe/eldominical/burnout-noticia-642721

Azevedo, K., Batista, J., Azevedo, R., Araújo, A., Barros, E., & Rodrigues, M. (2019). National scientific production on Burnout Syndrome in ICU nurses and physicians: a bibliometric study.

Gallegos, W. L. A., & Barrios, N. A. J. (2013). Síndrome de burnout en docentes de Educación Básica Regular de Arequipa. Educación, 22(42), 53-76.

Gastelo-Salazar, K. Y., Rojas-Ramos, A. P., Díaz-Vélez, C., & Maldonado-Gómez, W. (2018). Clima educativo hospitalario y síndrome de burnout en internos de medicina. Educación Médica.

Perdomo, L., Acosta, J., & Molano, A. (2019). Relación entre el síndrome de desgaste profesional, las creencias irracionales y el estilo docente: análisis multinivel.