The 70% Statistic of Executive Burnout
5 symptoms of executive burnout and what to do about it
Last month I hit the wall.
There was no defining event or build-up.
There was no warning.
I simply woke up one morning to an overwhelming feeling of “fuck this!”
I can’t pinpoint what led to that moment.
It was more the cumulative impact of work and just “life stuff,” which when added one on top of the other all fall into the same category of sucking the bejesus out of you and running the tank dry.
I’m sure many of us have been there.
Was this burnt out?
I’m still not sure, but it got me thinking, and out of curiosity, I referred myself to Dr. Google.
Now, those who have followed me for a while will know that my background is firmly rooted in the healthcare industry.
I should know all about the subject of burnout.
I didn’t.
I knew next to nothing, (and only a little more now).
What I learned shocked me.
A Deloitte survey of over 2,100 employees and C-level executives in the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia found that “nearly 70% of the C-suite are seriously considering quitting for a job that better supports their well-being.”
70 freaking per cent!
Executive burnout is a serious issue affecting personal well-being and professional performance.
I take little comfort in potentially falling into the “nearly 70%!”
Burnout at its worst can destroy the very best of us and if the numbers are correct, few of us are immune.
Simply soldiering on doesn’t work and risks far greater complications.
It gets worse.
The same report goes on to say.
Allowing burnout to persist is not only bad for health, but it’s also terrible for business. Burnout is a major contributor to low productivity, high turnover and low engagement. Deloitte’s aforementioned study states that “81% of the C-suite say improving their well-being is more important than advancing their career.”
Few employers have systems in place to protect and support their employees from burnout.
But what can you do to help yourself?
It’s fair to say that burnout isn’t just a work-related problem with research suggesting that as individuals, the demands that we place on ourselves, family commitments, ambition, overscheduling and the mass consumption of information in an “always on, always connected,” digital world all added to overload we experience.
So how do you recognize burnout and what can you do about it?
Five common symptoms and some strategies to address them:
Symptoms of Executive Burnout
Chronic Fatigue: Persistent tiredness that doesn't improve with rest.
Apathy and Dissatisfaction: Feeling disengaged or indifferent towards work.
Physical Symptoms: Frequent headaches or changes in sleep and eating patterns.
Emotional Exhaustion: Feeling overwhelmed, irritable, or emotionally drained.
Reduced Performance: Decreased productivity and efficiency at work
Strategies to Combat Burnout
Seek Professional Help: Consulting a therapist or coach can provide support and strategies to manage stress.
Set Boundaries: Establish clear work-life boundaries to ensure time for relaxation and personal activities.
Take Breaks: Regular breaks during the workday can help recharge your energy and improve focus.
Exercise and Mindfulness: Physical activity and mindfulness practices like deep breathing can reduce stress and improve mental health
Reevaluate Workload: Delegate tasks and prioritize responsibilities to avoid overburdening yourself.
If ever in doubt, refer to point 1 above, and seek professional help early.
Identifying and addressing burnout early can help maintain your health and effectiveness as a leader, parent and partner, not to mention your sanity.
Burnout is real, don’t ignore it.
Burnout can be treated, it doesn’t need to define you.
You can take back control.
Ask yourself this, right now.
How are you feeling about your current workload?
I hope that you enjoyed reading and please drop in a comment below.
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I belong to the 70% and decided to quit.
I even wrote a book about burnout. I'm happy I got out of the tunnel.
Great topic, Richard.