If you've ever found yourself staring blankly at your laptop screen, unable to gather the energy to tick off your to-do list, you might have a question in your mind: "Am I just being lazy?" But what if it's not laziness at all and something else that you are experiencing? Let's find out!

Burnout: When Passion Turns to Exhaustion

According to a Deloitte survey, 77% of employees have experienced burnout in their current roles. The World Health Organization describes burnout as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed, leading to feelings of energy depletion, increased mental disconnection from one's job, and reduced professional efficiency.

Common signs of burnout include:

Chronic fatigue: Feeling exhausted even after adequate rest.

Reduced performance: Difficulty in concentrating, making decisions, or completing tasks.

Emotional detachment: Feeling disconnected from work or personal relationships.

Physical symptoms: Headaches, muscle pain, and frequent illnesses due to a weakened immune system.

Laziness: A Temporary Lack of Motivation

Dr. Dawn Ferrara, a licensed professional counsellor, commented:

Laziness is a subjective term and may not reflect what’s really happening. It may be related to procrastination, avoiding something even knowing that there may be consequences for doing so.

The Alarming Rise of Burnout in India

India is witnessing a surge in burnout cases among its workforce. A joint report by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and MediBuddy revealed that 62% of Indian employees experience work-related stress and burnout, triple the global average of 20%.

The consequences of burnout can be devastating. Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old accountant, tragically passed away just four months after joining Ernst & Young (EY) India. Her mother attributed her death to the immense work pressure and lack of support, highlighting the need for organizations to prioritize employee well-being.

Expert's Opinion

Medical professionals emphasize the importance of early recognition and intervention.

Listen to Your Body: Continuous fatigue, insomnia, and frequent illnesses can be signs of burnout.

Seek Support: Engage in open conversations about workload and stress.

Set Boundaries: Ensure a clear boundary between work and personal time.

Prioritize Self-Care: Incorporate regular exercise, hobbies, and relaxation techniques into daily routines

As someone navigating the bustling work culture as well as education, I've often become exhausted and start self-doubting. There are days I label myself as lazy, only to realize later that I am just burnt out. Recognizing the signs and seeking help has surely made a difference in my life and well-being.

#BurnoutAwareness #MentalHealthMatters #WorkLifeBalance #EmployeeWellbeing #StressManagement