The 10 Warning Signs of Employee Burnout and How to Deal With It

The opinions expressed by entrepreneurs contributors are their own.

Discussion is ongoing in the market as to whether employees who left their jobs at the height of the big resignation will soon return to their former employers, as economists suggest they could be right around the corner.

The sudden economic downturn has done little to push employees back into the job market, even though recent reports have revealed that the US economy has contracted for a second consecutive quarter. Soaring and soaring consumer prices have only hurt business owners even more, as labor shortages, inflation and supply chain constraints add to the many headaches that some owners are currently experiencing.

It will take more than a salary increase to attract and retain staff. Employers should start looking for potential signs of employees to help staff members cope with increased levels of stress and workload.

In 1974, psychologist Herbert Freudenberger characterized burnout according to three main symptoms:

Lack of motivation dissatisfaction at work A feeling of ineffectiveness

It is common for workers to feel unmotivated, inefficient or unhappy with their work. What other warning signs can employers watch out for?

Related: How to Identify, Prevent and Avoid Burnout

1. Toxic work culture

Even at a time when employers are in dire straits, having to attract talent with higher salaries, medical assistance benefits or other job-specific perks, employees are still unhappy of their working environment.

Recent statistics have shown that around 15% of job seekers have turned down a job offer due to a company's lack of a positive culture and general work environment. Additionally, 46% of job seekers mentioned work culture as one of the most important deciding factors in their application process, while research shows that employees who feel unappreciated are twice more likely to leave their jobs next year.

2. The workers are exhausted

Being tired from working all the time is common, but when there is a feeling of exhaustion shared by the majority of employees, it's time for employers and hiring managers to step in.

Employees who experience high levels of work stress tend to feel more fatigued most of the time. Some jobs are also becoming increasingly taxing as employers struggle to retain staff, putting more work and stress on existing employees, which only hurts their well-being.

Related: 3 Important Signs of Burnout and How to Overcome It

3. Low levels of concentration

Exhausted, anxious and stressed employees will have lower levels of concentration at work. In the traditional office, this is easy to spot, as employers will be able to spot those who have trouble concentrating at work.

On the other hand, tracking employee concentration is becoming increasingly difficult for companies that are either fully isolated or have a hybrid program in place.

4. Lack of motivation

A sudden drop in motivation can mean that some workers have trouble enjoying their work or finding interest in the work they do.

If employees are struggling to complete projects on time, or if you notice a decline in the quality of their work, they may not be motivated enough to apply themselves to the job.

> 5. Employees are easily irritated

While it's common for some employees to clash with co-workers because of their differing opinions or personalities, some employees may even be more irritable because they feel ineffective, undervalued, or unappreciated. Common traits...