Burnout SOS: Let’s Equip You with Strategies for Success

Are you burnt out? The answer is much more likely to be yes than you imagine. According to the Microsoft Work Trends Index of 2022, more than half of the managers (53%) surveyed felt burnt out—a proportion higher than that among employees! 🔥

The numbers paint a grim picture of burnout in managers

The numbers paint a grim picture of burnout in managers. Are you thinking, why is that the case? The same report has pointed out several recent changes that could be contributing.

For instance, the number of meetings taken per week has jumped by a whopping 135% since the pandemic started. And let’s be honest: we are talking of meetings where we send emails in between trying to grasp some fast-moving information served with a sprinkle of jargon—creating a cognitive chaos of unparalleled strength. 📈💼

That’s not all. The move from brick-and-mortar to screen and sheets was not a convenient one. Along with breaking habits and norms built over the years, it raised concerns about something very dear to us—productivity. 85% of managers report that keeping confidence in employees has been challenging since the shift to hybrid working mode. 🖥️😫

So here we are in a situation where everything is going up:

• The number of hours worked
• The number of meetings taken
• The paranoia over productivity
• The resultant stress of it all!

Saving yourself from going up in the ashes

Burnout is a common malady. First, learn to recognize it. Some common signs of burnout in managers are:

• Getting irritated by questions, suggestions, ideas, or noises 🔊
• Dropping productivity and rising alarm ⏰
• You are always tired and unwell in a subtle way 😴
• You are confused about what to do next 😕
• You’d rather be alone 😞

Next, embrace breaks. I know it sounds absurd because you value productivity a lot. But let’s get real: Can we form good thoughts without a relaxed mind? To avoid burnout at your job, start with these simple steps:

• Build boundaries around your personal and professional lives. Workplace boundaries are great to give your mind the peace it deserves to flourish.
• Take breaks as you need, be it short or long ones. Refresh and rejuvenate before heading back.
• Focus on getting enough sleep and healthy habits. Burnout is not just a mental issue; it has equally damning physical side impacts.
• Don’t try to be a superhero. It’s alright to do only a few things well. Especially when you are a new manager, don’t run so fast that you burn out before the finish line. Instead, recognize limits and follow your passions to realistic goals.
• Lastly, be open to help. While we may not be able to solve all our issues ourselves, professional help, such as therapy or leadership coaching for career development, can offer clarity.

Here’s something even simpler: test how well you prioritize tasks (for free!) Risely’s free prioritization self-assessment offers managers insights into this crucial skill that saves time and keeps your passions alive amid the world’s clamor. 🚀📝

What’s happening in the Doodle Office, you ask?