Your guide to workplace burnout

Dr. Rob McCartney10 August 2022·3 min read
Your guide to workplace burnout

Spread the word

Burnout is a syndrome conceptualised as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is characterised by three dimensions:

  1. Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion;
  2. Increased mental distance from one’s job, feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one's job
  3. Reduced professional efficacy

Burnout isn’t considered a medical diagnosis, but a collection of symptoms that can affect your mental and physical health, so it can be important to understand and consider your risks as well as what can be done about them.

Discover our simple strategies to help manage workplace burnout, plus:

  • The signs and symptoms of burnout
  • The 5 stages of burnout
  • Strategies to avoid burnout, including for workplaces
  • Where to go if you need more help

Dr Rob McCartney is a physician who has specialised in the field of Occupational and Environmental Medicine for over 20 years. His career goal is to maximise the health, wellbeing and productivity of working people. Rob is a passionate and highly experienced doctor with a track record of managing risk and solving problems at the worker/workplace interface. Rob is a member of the healthylife Advisory Board.

Related reads

mind
Your guide to building resilience
Dr. Nikki Stamp
Dr. Nikki Stamp

Your guide to building resilience

Resilience is something that we can develop, even when things are going well, to allow us to prepare for any future challenges. Discover our top tips to help you build and maintain your resilience.

read more
mind
How to recognise burnout
Dr. Rob McCartney
Dr. Rob McCartney

How to recognise burnout

When it comes to burnout how do we recognise if we are on the path to developing it, or are already there?

read more
vitamins & supplements
The time-tested power of adaptogens for stress relief

The time-tested power of adaptogens for stress relief

What do withania, tulsi and rhodiola crenulata have in common? They’re adaptogens – here’s what you need to know.

read more

Related reads

mind
What is workplace burnout?
Dr. Rob McCartney
Dr. Rob McCartney

What is workplace burnout?

Did you know that not only is burnout a real experience that can devastate workers and cost workplaces, but the World Health Organisation has been telling us to sort it out since 1994?

read more
mind
How to recognise burnout
Dr. Rob McCartney
Dr. Rob McCartney

How to recognise burnout

When it comes to burnout how do we recognise if we are on the path to developing it, or are already there?

read more
mind
Burnout recovery: steps on the path to feeling better after being burnt out

Burnout recovery: steps on the path to feeling better after being burnt out

Feeling burnt out? We look at the stages of burnout and what burnout recovery looks like

read more
mind
Mental Health and Wellness in the Workplace
Dr. Rob McCartney
Dr. Rob McCartney

Mental Health and Wellness in the Workplace

When we think about health and safety in the workplace, historically mental health and wellness has been almost an after-thought. However, the focus on building and managing mentally healthy workplaces is growing, nationally and globally.

read more
mind
Is end of year burnout real? Here's how to get through the season.
Dr. Rob McCartney
Dr. Rob McCartney

Is end of year burnout real? Here's how to get through the season.

The end of the year is a lot to deal with. There are endless social events for work, school, friends, family and hobby groups. There are work commitments to wrap up and colleagues preparing to take leave or managing coverage for others taking leave.  For anyone involved in education, either with children (or themselves) in school, teaching or university, there are assignments, exams or grading.

read more
mind
Workplace boundaries: What are they and do we need them?
Dr. Rob McCartney
Dr. Rob McCartney

Workplace boundaries: What are they and do we need them?

Achieving work-life balance isn’t just about finding that sweet spot between both our professional and personal lives; it’s about unlocking numerous benefits that help you live a healthy life across the board.

read more
mind
Mindfulness Mondays: get your week off to a great start

Mindfulness Mondays: get your week off to a great start

You’ve heard of Meatless Mondays. Now there’s a new wellness practice entering workplaces: Mindful Mondays.

read more
mind
How to deal with job loss and stay on top of your health

How to deal with job loss and stay on top of your health

Losing your job is up there with some of life’s most stressful events… but your health doesn’t need to suffer.

read more
mind
Overcoming adversity: how to cruise through life's challenges

Overcoming adversity: how to cruise through life's challenges

Overcoming adversity is an important life skill. We asked Consultant Psychologist Dr Bec Jackson to give us some practical tips. Here’s what she said…

read more
energy
Are you feeling tired all of the time?

Are you feeling tired all of the time?

Are you feeling tired all the time? We take a deep dive into fatigue with Naturopath, Gabbie Watt.

read more

Spread the word

This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. If you have any concerns or questions about your health you should consult with a health professional.