Curious about recognizing burnout and the steps employees and companies can take to prevent it?

“In sectors such as retail, healthcare, and education, burnout is becoming increasingly significant. In fact, the situation is worsening,” he shared with SBS News.

TUNE IN TO

While such developments were positive, things “aren’t quite shifting fast enough to keep up with the levels of burnout”, he said.

How can you tell if you’re experiencing burnout?

There can also be physical signs, with burnout sometimes leading to increased headaches and body pain, as well as disrupted sleep patterns.

“And so when people are experiencing high levels of psychological distress, particularly for a prolonged period, that’s going to increase their burnout or the likelihood they’re going to report burnout.”

What can be done to reduce workplace burnout?

“We encourage Australians to take a proper break, set boundaries and prioritise recovery activities such as sleep and exercise, and making these small changes can really make a difference in helping to prevent burnout,” Pittman said.

But employers also have a big role to play in helping employees avoid burnout, Pittman said, with Allianz’s research identifying three solutions desired by employees:

• Better training for managers to support employee wellbeing
• Fewer unnecessary tasks and meetings that add to employees’ workload without adding value
• Recurring mental health days off work

“So it’s really important to break down that stigma, and that will help prevent burnout.”