“The most noticeable traits happen when a person who is usually happy and positive soon becomes withdrawn, low in mood and cynical,” explains Sarah Tottle, burnout expert.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently classified burnout as a “syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed”. Sarah says that before this, there were few clinical definitions, meaning doctors would often misdiagnose burnout as depression.
“Burnout is more than just simple exhaustion. It’s a psycho-physical response to extreme and prolonged stress. Chronic stress can induce it. The body shuts down and simple tasks can become impossible to accomplish.”
Sarah believes the best approach is for people to acknowledge that overworking is a critical factor in burnout. “When someone feels they don’t have control over their life or work, this can exacerbate symptoms,” she says.
“Giving people autonomy, encouraging their creative side and allowing for flexibility at work can help lower the risk of burnout. Avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach is also important. Lead by example. Don’t overwork, don’t stay back at work and avoid emailing after hours.”
If you feel like you’re on struggle street, you’re not alone. Six executives share their tips for staying inspired and avoiding burnout.
JESSICA FIALKOVICH, CO-FOUNDER, TRANSWORLD – ROCKY MOUNTAIN
This story is from the October 2020 edition of The CEO Magazine Asia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2020 edition of The CEO Magazine Asia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Lito German Is Driving Change And Accelerating Growth For Sandbox
After years in the automotive industry, CEO Lito German is now driving change and accelerating growth for importer and distributor Sandbox Middle East.
They're Pioneers In Enshrining Green Values Into Everything They Do
CEO Chamaiporn Uerpairojkit explains how thai plastics giant tpbi was committed to sustainability long before the government made an industry-changing announcement last year.
Maverick Unicorn
Spotify co-founder and CEO Daniel Ek is a textbook example of the startup gurus propelling their companies to billion-dollar valuations.
''Increase The Velocity''
Adapting Camfil’s business model to work at a faster pace was critical for the business to thrive in today’s China, according to managing director Michel Moulin.
Device Manager
Covid-19 tore the world’s tech supply chains asunder, the effects of which are still being felt today. But through steady management and quality of work, malaysian component manufacturer analog devices has managed to thrive during the storm.
Going Antiviral
Chiaphua Industries chief marketing officer and co-founder of Germagic Hamilton Hung has transformed the appliance manufacturer into an antiviral research and development powerhouse. And he has done so with patience and vision.
Risk Vs Return
Add pandemic fallout to a low interest-rate environment and you have a challenge for highnet-worth investors. Where might opportunities lie?
Expect The Unexpected
For lockton philippines insurance & reinsurance brokers ceo vic valledor, providing affordable premiums for the poorest families is vital, especially considering the recent challenges of the covid-19 pandemic.
The Ultimate Investments
With the global economic recovery from the pandemic underway, many analysts are suggesting now is the time to invest – but will whisky, soybeans or bitcoin find a way into your portfolio?
The Future Of Fintech
Covid-19 has accelerated the world’s shift to a digital economy, and airwallex co-founder and president Lucy Liu wants to make sure there are more female fintech leaders with her at the top.
