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HUMAN RESOURCES

Feeling Overwhelmed or Mentally Drained?

Article by: Melissa Gibson – Human Resources Business Partner, Julie Triplett – Human Re-
sources Business, and Breana Berg – Workers Compensation and Leave of Absence Specialists

Stress is not all in your head. It does not just impact your thoughts and attitudes. Though it often begins there, stress
can have a significant impact on the health of your body, mind, and soul. And finally, it can lead to burnout.

Burnout does not happen all at once. It is a slow, creeping process that grows worse and worse over time; especially
if it is not addressed. It occurs when an individual experiences too much stress for a prolonged period. The key is
paying attention to the warning signs and actively work to combat them.

The effect of burnout is widespread. In increasingly busy, high-pressure working environments, employees often be-
come the shock absorbers, taking organizational strain, and working more hours.
The impact of increasing workload and a perceived lack of control leads to reduced productivity and poor mental
health. This can contribute to employees becoming emotionally and physically withdrawn from work and can nega-
tively impact safe operations.

So, what are some of the signs of burnout?

• Emotional: Feelings of hopelessness, tired, irritable, distracted and detached.

• Physical: Muscular aches and body pain, headaches, increased or reduced appetite, weight change, and nausea.
Overtime these physical symptoms can lead to decreased immunity and leave you with more frequent bouts of
sickness.

• Mental: Poor concentration, muddled thinking, and indecisiveness.
• Other Symptoms: Tardiness, absenteeism, poor treatment of others, relationship difficulties, increase in smok-
ing and alcohol consumption, making careless mistakes, and obstructive and uncooperative behavior.

Volume 2 : Issue 6 Page 12