Leadership Burnout During COVID-19 by Richard Reese, Louisville KY

Burnout has been recognized by the WHO as an “occupational phenomenon” that is a result of chronic, unmanaged stress. It is a very real problem in today’s workplace, especially in the era of COVID-19. This year has been full of challenges for everyone and business leaders are no exception. Leaders need to be careful to do all they can to prevent burnout for many reasons.

The Risk of Leadership Burnout

Since leaders set the tone for their organizations, leadership burnout can lead to many additional problems in the workplace. When leaders get burnt out, they can lose the motivation they once had to push their companies to the next level. They can also lash out at their teams, causing good employees to become disengaged and possibly even leave the organization.

Burnout also includes a myriad of problems for the person experiencing it. For example, burnout can lead to decreased productivity, fatigue, alcohol or substance abuse, heart disease, stomach problems, and vulnerability to other illnesses.

Signs of Leadership Burnout

There are several signs that you are nearing burnout as a leader. If you feel yourself becoming less and less motivated to go to work every day, or even get out of bed in the morning, these are signs that you are getting dangerously close to burnout.

You may also experience persistent exhaustion, regardless of how much sleep you get at night. On the other hand, many people who burn out report experiencing insomnia. When monitoring for burnout symptoms, you should also keep a close eye on your emotions. If you feel angry more often or more irritable toward your coworkers, those are also red flags.

Preventing Burnout

To prevent burnout, you must actively manage your stress levels. Start by practicing awareness of how you’re feeling at any given time. When your stress levels are particularly high, find some ways to get relief. Some suggestions might be taking a break from work, keeping a journal, or spending some time with loved ones.

Leaders should also be intentional about taking care of themselves, even when they are not experiencing high levels of stress. Exercise, eat well, drink plenty of water, and get full nights of sleep. By being proactive with your health, you will reduce your risks of burning out when your stress levels rise.

During this challenging time, everyone is susceptible to burnout. Leaders should do everything they can to prevent themselves from burning out, and then support their employees in doing the same.