Reignite Your Fire: A Guide to Overcoming Burnout and Finding Passion Again

Are you feeling overwhelmingly exhausted, detached from the job, cynical or emotionally drained at work? You may be experiencing burnout, a growing concern in today's workplace. Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, and it can have serious consequences for both employees and organisations including decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and decreased job satisfaction.

Working for the GCC can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be highly demanding, which if unmonitored, can lead to burnout and a loss of motivation. The good news is that it is possible to overcome burnout and regain a sense of balance and fulfilment in your work. In this article, we'll explore practical strategies that can help both staff and managers in the public sector to overcome burnout.

First of all, know that you are not alone. According to a 2019/20 report by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), over half a million workers in the public sector suffered from work-related stress, depression, or anxiety, leading to millions of lost workdays and reduced productivity. A 2021 CIPD survey found 42% of public sector workers reporting feeling stressed at work most of the time. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated burnout in the public sector.

Exhaustion and burnout are also classic catch-22 conditions: When we feel we are falling behind with our tasks and losing control, we often no longer allow ourselves properly to rest so one of the most effective ways to overcome burnout is to prioritise self-care. This means taking time to do things that you enjoy, such as exercise, spending time with friends and family, or engaging in a hobby. It also means taking care of your physical health by getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet.

Setting clear boundaries between work and home life is also important. This may mean turning off your work phone or email outside of working hours, delegating tasks to others when necessary, and not being afraid to say no when you need to. Setting boundaries can help you feel more in control and prevent burnout from creeping in.

Taking regular breaks throughout the day can also help to prevent burnout and improve your productivity. Even just a five-minute break to stretch your legs can make a big difference. Taking a lunch break away from your desk is also important, as it gives you a chance to recharge and refocus for the afternoon.

Mindfulness is a powerful tool for managing stress and preventing burnout. By focusing on the present moment and practicing breathing techniques, you can reduce feelings of anxiety and improve your overall sense of well-being. There are apps available that can help you develop your mindfulness skills, such as Headspace.

If you are feeling overwhelmed or burned out, it's important to seek support from others. This could mean talking to friends, family, seeking counselling, or speaking to your manager or HR about how you’re feeling. Be specific about what is causing your stress and suggest solutions to improve your situation. All GCC employees have access to the Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that provide free and confidential support.

In addition to individual strategies for overcoming burnout, it's important to know that burnout is often related to a negative working environment such as a lack of resources, management, deadlines, and excessive workloads. If these are paired with a lack of respect and appreciation, they can become destructive.

A positive work culture can help prevent burnout by promoting a healthy work-life balance and create a supportive and collaborative environment. Open and honest communication between managers and employees, regular check-ins, team-building activities, recognition, and the reward of good work will lead to a happier work force.

We can often feel guilty and ashamed about our decline in productivity. We tend to think our burnout is our fault, that somehow, we were not strong enough to succeed in our jobs; the opposite is true. Research shows that it is often the hardest working and most idealistic workers who experience burnout—as captured in the common phrase, “You have to have been on fire in order to burnout.” Learn how to practice self-compassion, remind yourself you don’t have to be perfect and take a break. You deserve it!