Workplace burnout is more than mere tiredness and it goes beyond the working stress of everyday work. Burnout is characterized by chronic exhaustion and strong feelings of frustration and powerlessness. Those suffering from burnout tend to withdraw emotionally from their work, lose motivation and become less productive. Studies have also linked burnout to numerous emotional and physical health problems according to the September 2014 Edition of the Awake publication. The world has become a global village especially in terms of economic activities and professional pursuits. The modern man appears to be hooked into an engine that propels him like a whirlwind almost completely out of pace with the inbuilt natural biological rhythms. Our car engines function at their best when they are kept cool through a functioning radiator. Most modern cars stop as soon the cooling unit malfunctions. At this point and if repeated; the inbuilt performance of that car may have suffered a great deal.
The human biological systems are governed by a biological clock that links the systems to the human mind through the hypothalamus. This explains when a woman is ‘Stressed up’ and the hypothalamus picks the signals and refuses to release the cyclical monthly hormones that should command the ovaries to prepare the uterus for menstruation. A woman can miss her period not just because she is pregnant or has a medical problem but a result of burnout. The human inbuilt control system functions like the car thermostat in form of burnout manifestations. The most crucial culprit is work overload that emanates from economic pressures, working longer hours and poor work-life balance. For some, job insecurity, lack of control over their work, or feelings of being treated unfairly contribute to burnout.
Also, setting unclear priorities for employees and deep-seated perennial conflicts with co-workers could be at the root of burnout. It can also be self-inflicted as it occurs in the pursuit of career goals and greater income. Let me quickly add here that the experience of a burnout is nature’s way of signalling that bodily functioning is out of order and out of rhythm with the inbuilt biological clock. We are in a political, economic and social transition without a clear-cut destination even the religious systems that should have been a haven of balance is enmeshed in the craze for materialism. This is complicated by the fact that the political leaders indulge in massive corruption such that responsible earning of living in a congruent manner is outdated. There is desperation in the air among the middle class who ordinarily should epitomize the ideals of congruency, balance and focus. Burnout is a manifestation of reckless squandering of the life- force with enormous consequences on mental and physical health.
There is a strong linkage between mental health and the rise in the non-communicable diseases that is incapacitating the productive middle class of our nation. More than fifty per cent of the non-communicable diseases are caused by lifestyle changes. There is a rising incidence of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, hypertension, stroke, renal diseases and others at midlife among which could be traced to burnout impacting their lifestyle negatively. Most folks may not take burnout alerts seriously and may even force the body system to keep functioning irrespective. Our physicians should do more than the ordinary clinical management of these diseases as they can refer them to the mental health team such that the maintaining factors can be modified. Anyone who has experienced burnout needs a consultation with a mental health expert for recalibration of values and priorities. A lot of us parade incongruent lives that upsets the work-life balance.
Priorities should be clarified such that family relationship and good health are near the top of the list. Nigerians need to clear the clutter in their lives because we are a consumer- oriented society with the deafening message that happiness is linked to income-level and material possessions since a simpler life- style can bring greater freedom and satisfaction. In dealing with work and work overload; employees need to employ foresight and be realistic. Anticipate risks such as the threat of job and be prepared to respond proactively. There are better prospects of finding another job while you are still employed. Intelligent investment of available resources and prudent management could be a bailout in terms of crisis.
There is also the need to cultivate interest and friendships apart from work. Most Nigerians do not make sufficient time for rest and balanced recreation . Rest should be built into the rhythm of our life until it becomes automatic. The annual retreat programs of our corporate institutions should include mental health directed seminars and consultations specifically devoted to work-life balance so that sustained productivity can be guaranteed.
Dr Adeoye Oyewole
adeoyewole2000@yahoo.com
+234 803 490 5808 (WhatsApp Only)
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