College of Management, Mahidol University (CMMU) revealed12% of working people living in Bangkok are burnout, and another 57% are at high risk of burnout.

What is Burnout?

Burn-out syndrome is an occupational phenomenon caused by fatigue, stress, and pressure accumulation.

In 2019, burnout was registered by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a condition that should be treated by a doctor because although it is not a medical condition, if left untreated, it can lead to anxiety or depression, which can exacerbate mental health problems.

Notice burnout.

Burnout can have a significant impact on a person's health and well-being.

1. Emotional Exhaustion
2. Cynicism
3. Professional Efficacy

But the negative effects often don't stop there. Burnout also leads to a number of emotional and physical problems, such as lack of concentration, feeling bored, etc. Stress disorder Insomnia can lead to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. Alcohol addiction or drug dependence

Research published in PLOS ONE in 2017 found that burnout from work It leads to chronic diseases such as muscle pain in the body. Heart disease, hyperlipidemia, and type 2 diabetes

COVID-19 Burnout accelerator

The burnout has worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. A study by Indeed, the world's largest job search website. A 2021 survey found that more than half (52%) of respondents felt burned out, and more than two-thirds (67%) believed that feeling had worsened during the pandemic.

COVID-19 In addition, working from home makes it impossible for many people to disconnect between work and personal life. Because the boundaries are not clear from working from home.

Not only employees, but also 'CEOs' can't avoid burnouts.

With heavy workloads, long working hours, Having to deal with people at different levels and facing challenges all the time, it is inevitable for executives, managers, and supervisors to burn out. A survey by Deloitte surveyed more than 2,100 C-suit employees and executives found that nearly 70% of C-suit executives want to quit their jobs in search of jobs that promote their well-being.

The "Year-End CEO Turnover Report" survey from Challenger, Grey & Christmas, an executive coaching and business administration company, revealed that in 2023, CEO resignations increased by 55% compared to the previous year. 19 people died in the position.

What to do when burning out

1. Find out the root cause – Everyone's burnout has different causes. Finding the cause allows for targeted solutions. If it is caused by too heavy a workload. Try to say no to tasks that take up time or not attend meetings that you are not involved in, or if the work does not have a clear goal. Try to set goals to make your success more clear.
2. Turning to health care – Burnout causes accumulated stress, which affects physical and mental health. Taking care of your health, such as getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. First, it is recommended that you try to get enough sleep because sleep reduces stress levels, has a positive impact on mental health and the brain's ability to learn. Getting enough sleep also prepares us to wake up to the challenges of the new day.
3. Find time to recharge yourself. – Exit the environment. Nature helps heal the mind, not only the body can rest, but the heart can let go somewhat.
4. Meditation, breath training. – Practicing meditation helps to be more mindful and self-aware. Living with the breath in and out helps not to be distracted, to calm the mind and to be in the present, as well as to practice positivity and self-esteem.
5. Practice new skills – Look for activities or sports games that you have never done before to help you relax and improve your skills, such as climbing, painting, etc. Learn a language or take a course that you like, so you can get both a new society and increase your experience at the same time.

However, this is only a fix for ourselves. Try talking to colleagues. Supervisor or seek help from a doctor or specialist. to find the appropriate way to deal with it.

References

1. Burn-out an “Occupational phenomenon”: International Classification of Diseases [Internet]. World Health Organization; [cited 2024 Mar 8]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2019-burn-out-an-occupational-phenomenon-international-classification-of-diseases
2. Threlkeld K. Employee burnout report: Covid-19’s impact and 3 strategies to ... [Internet]. Indeed; 2021 [cited 2024 Mar 8]. Available from: https://uk.indeed.com/lead/preventing-employee-burnout-report
3. Challenger G & C. 2020 year-end CEO turnover report: Exits down 20% over record-setting 2019; Women’s gains highest on record [Internet]. Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc.; 2023 [cited 2024 Mar 8]. Available from: https://www.challengergray.com/blog/year-end-ceo-turnover-report-exits-down-20-over-record-setting-2019-womens-gains-highest-on-record/
4. Salvagioni DA, Melanda FN, Mesas AE, González AD, Gabani FL, Andrade SM. Physical, psychological and occupational consequences of job burnout: A systematic review of prospective studies. PLOS ONE. 2017 Oct 4;12(10). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0185781
5. Penpiccha Ketuchaikosol. Burnout of Private Company Employees in Generation Y [Master's Thesis]. Bangkok: Mahidol University;