Workers are feeling exhausted and burned out. The lack of job security, concerns over finances, dealing with toxic co-workers and bosses, long working hours, disrupted remote and hybrid work routines and blurred work-life boundaries lead to stress and anxiety. This causes workers to feel exhausted, tired and worn out.
Nearly six out of 10 labor participants in the United States self-reported feeling at least moderate levels of burnout, according to a 2023 Aflac report on workplace trends and attitudes.
External Stress Factors
Throughout mid-2022 up until recently, there were unrelenting, almost daily announcements of layoffs from the top U.S. companies, ranging from Google to Goldman Sachs. When prestigious companies are downsizing workers in droves, it sends shockwaves throughout the job market. People will start to feel unsafe and insecure in their jobs. Over a prolonged period of time, the stress, anxiety and survivor’s guilt take a toll on a person’s mental and emotional health.
Record levels of inflation have caused the prices of nearly everything to rise. The additional costs families need to pay for their food, clothes, cars and services cut into their paychecks, leaving them with less money. Additionally, inflation makes the remaining funds worth less too.
The Federal Reserve Bank hiked interest rates to fight the stubbornly high inflation. The Fed’s plan called for a situation in which hiring would slow down, and jobs would be lost to dampen economic activity and reduce inflation.
When you see people around you getting laid off, it’s natural to become concerned about your own job safety. The days of quiet quitting, Bare Minimum Mondays and acting your wage are ending. Instead, people feel the need to put in long hours so they won’t be targeted for layoffs. The extra hours lead to physical and mental exhaustion, especially if you are seeing the company’s executives and CEO earning fortunes while you’re toiling away to make ends meet.
Hybrid Work Takes Its Toll
While many people desire remote and hybrid work options, there are challenges associated with these models. Hybrid work can be emotionally exhausting due to the disjointed weekly schedules, losing a comfortable routine and constantly worrying about a full return-to-office mandate. The blurring of life and work boundaries has created nonstop being on the clock and always being on call. It becomes difficult to set boundaries without fearing that the boss will think you are playing around at home instead of working.
Concerns are paramount for people relocated to lower-cost locations during the pandemic. They are now worried that, any day, the rug will be pulled out from under them. For instance, it was reported that Amazon is ordering its workers to return to the office at least three days a week. Employees who moved during the pandemic may potentially have to relocate to cities near main offices or resign.
Are You Exhausted?
It is crucial to be aware of the symptoms of exhaustion, so you can immediately address and rectify the situation before it leads to chronic, long-term issues.
Warning Signs
- Are you regularly feeling depleted, tired and lacking energy? Is it hard to get out of bed?
- Are you no longer excited about things you used to love?
- Are you withdrawing from social engagements?
- Are you experiencing physical and mental fatigue?
- Do you have a short fuse and are lashing out at others?
- Do you have poor time management skills?
- Are you overworking yourself, working a ridiculous amount of hours?
- Do you seem more frazzled, sad, lost, angry and confused lately?
- Are you having difficulty focusing?
- Do you have trouble sleeping?
- Are you losing your appetite?
- Are you feeling disengaged from work?
- Are you getting sick more often, experiencing headaches and other pains?
What To Do About It
If you’re feeling burned out, take some time off or talk to your employer about ways to reduce your workload. If you’re feeling financially insecure due to high inflation and interest rates, seek a financial advisor or make a budget to manage your finances properly.
To recover from work-related exhaustion, you must take microbreaks, use your paid time off, establish workplace boundaries, commit to working out, exercising, eating healthily and getting sufficient sleep, practice self-care and seek professional help. If you are in a perpetual state of exhaustion, a job switch might be in order, to ensure a more balanced lifestyle.
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