The New Year means a lot of workers are coming off a bit of a break, but it is also a good time to evaluate, recognize and address the signs of workplace burnout. It can be more than just lack of productivity, it can lead to safety hazards at work if workers are becoming tired or distracted.

The World Health Organization lists burnout as an “occupational phenomenon” and a Gallup poll reports it is affecting almost 2/3 of full-time workers. It is characterized by exhaustion, mental distance from your job and an inability to focus on work-related tasks. It can become a hazard to your physical safety as well. Employees who are experiencing burnout may be less aware of their surroundings and can forget common safety practices, misuse machinery or become distracted doing dangerous tasks. Prolonged burnout can also lead to heart disease, high blood pressure and type II diabetes. It’s more commonly seen in white-collar professions where long hours are normal or even encouraged.

Employers can address burnout before it becomes an issue with early identification. Supervisors should look out for fatigue, difficulty concentrating and low morale as well as more serious symptoms like drug and alcohol use, irritability and violence. Regularly talking with employees about their roles and the stress they feel may help employers identify those at risk.

Employers can also offer support by encouraging employees to take breaks, offering benefits and encouraging them to use their paid time off to relax. Other benefits like on-site gym or meditation classes can help workers relieve stress and build healthy routines.

Creating awareness in the workplace with pamphlets, talks and training sessions for managers can help combat burnout. It’s important for employees to know where to report issues and find resources to discuss the topic.

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