From Burnout to Breakthrough

Steps to reduce stress, increase job satisfaction and shine brighter in life and work

I burnt out in 2021.

Like many people, I was stressed from working a corporate job in healthcare during COVID-19. I was leading patient experience for a healthcare network, and the pressure of the healthcare system, coupled with new leadership and a change in responsibilities, finally caught up to me.

It took a while, but I knew something needed to change. I was concerned about my health.

Because of the advancements in remote work, I was able to start Brilliant Workplaces, begin my entrepreneurial journey, and help more organizations with experience from a farmhouse in upstate New York.

One upside to the pandemic was the ability to work from anywhere.

Fast-forward to 2024:

Earlier this week, I posted an article about a recent study by LinkedIn and Microsoft that revealed some significant trends in workplace dynamics and employee sentiments for this year.

You can read the article here: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/workers-eyeing-exit-2024-linkedin-120000835.html

• 46% of surveyed individuals desired to leave their positions within the following year.
• 85% of professionals are actively looking for new job opportunities.
• 51% of actively job-seeking U.S. employees feel burnt out
• 68% of employees struggle with the pace and volume of work, contributing further to feelings of burnout.

In this newsletter, I will explain how to recognize burnout and rejuvenate your passion for work if you are one of the people above.

Even if you aren't - a member of your team might be.

We all want to feel productive, happy and fulfilled in our work life. We want increased energy, improved mental health, and a more satisfying professional life.

Sounds good, right?

How do you know if you are experiencing burnout?

Awareness is the first step, and unfortunately, most fail to recognize burnout or struggle to take practical steps to recover for the following reasons:

• Lack of awareness about burnout symptoms
• Cultural stigma around discussing mental health in the workplace
• Insufficient support structures at work
• Personal reluctance to admit vulnerability
• Uncertainty about how to address the issue once identified

Despite these challenges, here are ways to overcome these obstacles and find joy in your work again.

Step 1: Identify the signs of burnout

Recognizing the signs of burnout is essential. Look for:

• prolonged stress
• feelings of disillusionment
• fatigue
• irritability
• decreased job performance

In short, it is hard to care about anything when you are burnt out. You feel stuck, unmotivated, and angry (at least I did).

Understanding these signs is essential. You might notice an increased irritability at work.

Instead of brushing it off, reassess your workload and priorities. Especially if it seems to continue for a prolonged period.

Step 2: Communicate and Set Boundaries

The mistake many make is pushing through exhaustion without communicating their limits.

This often happens because people fear seeming weak or uncommitted.

However, it's important to discuss your needs and set boundaries.

• It’s OK to take a walk for a few minutes in the middle of the day
• It’s OK to renegotiate deadlines or delegate tasks, which can significantly alleviate pressure.
• It’s OK to ask for help and talk about the pressure you might be feeling

Step 3: Implement regular self-care

Engaging in regular self-care, whether it’s physical activity, meditation, or pursuing hobbies, helps sustain your long-term well-being.

I realize the thought of integrating in one more thing might be daunting, but consider the alternative. If you need it, just take a nap!

By integrating self-care into your routine, you’re not just recovering from burnout but preventing it in the future. This leads to a more balanced life and a more profound enjoyment of both personal and professional worlds.

Here’s a guide to start building the habit of self-care into a routine:

Download the guide

Note: This is a notion template. If you don't use Notion, you will love it. Get Notion here - its free! Click on the two squares at the top right to duplicate a copy in your workspace. *Note: This is an affiliate link. I don't recommend products I haven't tried or use personally.

To summarize (TL;DR)

1. Recognize the signs of burnout - they are different for everyone.
2. Don't be afraid to set boundaries and ask for the help you need
3. Establish a habit of working self-care into your routine that encompasses physical and mental wellness
4. Start small and gain consistency through time.

Remember, regular self-care is essential for maintaining overall health and longevity of your career.

Following these steps can transform your work experience from exhausting to exhilarating.

Start today, and get your light shining brightly again.

I hope this advice helps you improve your wellness at work or personally.

If you feel like your team could use more information about avoiding burnout and creating employee experiences that retain talent, consider setting up a time with me: Book a meeting

Do you already have a good understanding of employee experience? You can find more helpful articles here: Check out the resources.

Did you miss a newsletter? More ways to #bebrilliant: Check out the newsletters.

See you next week!

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Hi! I'm Suzanne I founded Brilliant Workplaces, a consulting agency that helps businesses with systems for Marketing, Customer, and Employee Experience.​ The #bebrilliant newsletter was created for those who want best practices and systems to build your brand, establish an authority position, and achieve personal and professional growth. Do you know someone who would love this newsletter? Please forward it and have them sign up here.