According to the College of Management Mahidol University (CMMU), burnout affects 12% of Bangkok's working-age population, with an additional 57% at high risk.

What exactly is burnout?

t's more than just feeling tired; it's a condition acknowledged by the World Health Organization (WHO) since 2019, resulting from the continuous accumulation of fatigue, stress, and pressure at work. Although not classified as a medical condition, untreated burnout can escalate mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

Spotting the signs of burnout is crucial. The WHO identifies three main indicators: emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy. But the repercussions don't stop there; burnout can also lead to a host of emotional and physical problems, including difficulty concentrating, boredom, stress, insomnia, and even unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance abuse.

Research published in PLOS ONE in 2017 underscores the link between work-related burnout and chronic diseases such as muscle pain, heart disease, high blood fat, and type 2 diabetes.

The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the situation. A study by Indeed found that over half of respondents feel burnt out, with more than two-thirds believing it has worsened during the pandemic. Factors like increased anxiety and depression, along with the blurring of work-life boundaries due to remote work, contribute to this troubling trend.

It's not just rank-and-file employees feeling the strain; even CEOs and senior executives are not immune. A Deloitte survey revealed that nearly 70% of C-suite executives have contemplated resigning for better work-life balance.

The "Year-End CEO Turnover Report" from Challenger, Gray & Christmas revealed a significant uptick in CEO turnover, with a 55% increase compared to the previous year, and a shocking 19 senior executives in the United States dying in office in 2023.

ทำอย่างไรเมื่อเบิร์นเอาท์

1. Identify the Root Cause: Since each person's burnout triggers differ, pinpointing the cause is crucial. If it's workload-related, consider learning to decline tasks, skipping non-essential meetings, or setting clearer goals to enhance clarity and productivity.
2. Prioritize Your Health: Burnout amplifies stress, impacting both physical and mental well-being. Prioritize self-care by ensuring adequate sleep, consuming nutritious meals, and engaging in regular exercise. Quality sleep not only reduces stress but also enhances mental clarity and readiness for the day ahead.
3. Take Time to Recharge: Break away from familiar surroundings and routine. Consider taking a trip or engaging in new activities to rejuvenate the mind. Nature has a healing effect, offering both physical rest and emotional renewal.
4. Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate meditation and deep breathing exercises into your routine to enhance self-awareness and mental calmness. Positive affirmations and self-reflection can help reinforce a sense of self-worth.
5. Learn New Skills: Explore activities or hobbies that challenge and relax you simultaneously, such as rock climbing, painting, language learning, or enrolling in a course of interest. Engaging in new experiences fosters personal growth and relaxation.

Reference

1. Burn-out an “Occupational phenomenon”: International Classification of Diseases [Internet]. World Health Organization; [cited 2024 Mar 8]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2019-burn-out-an-occupational-phenomenon-international-classification-of-diseases
2. Threlkeld K. Employee burnout report: Covid-19’s impact and 3 strategies to ... [Internet]. Indeed; 2021 [cited 2024 Mar 8]. Available from: https://uk.indeed.com/lead/preventing-employee-burnout-report
3. Challenger G & C. 2020 year-end CEO turnover report: Exits down 20% over record-setting 2019; Women’s gains highest on record [Internet]. Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc.; 2023 [cited 2024 Mar 8]. Available from: https://www.challengergray.com/blog/year-end-ceo-turnover-report-exits-down-20-over-record-setting-2019-womens-gains-highest-on-record/
4. Salvagioni DA, Melanda FN, Mesas AE, González AD, Gabani FL, Andrade SM. Physical, psychological and occupational consequences of job burnout: A systematic review of prospective studies. PLOS ONE. 2017 Oct 4;12(10). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0185781
5. เพ็ญพิชชา เกตุชัยโกศล. ภาวะหมดไฟในการทำงาน (Burnout) ของพนักงานบริษัทเอกชน ในกลุ่ม Generation Y [สารนิพนธ์ปริญญามหาบัณฑิต]. กรุงเทพ: มหาวิทยาลัยมหิดล; 2564.