Page 40 - Service Delivery Review

they begin to doubt their self-competence. The fa- Setting “me-time” aside
tigue reported may be described as an inner deple- There are a variety of self-help and community tools,
tion or being completely worn out and overextended. as well as advice, available to prevent burnout. I recall
A burnt out staff member may progressively feel in- the stress management workshops I used to facilitate.
adequate or ineffective despite being capable. Fur- Understanding how the body-mind is constructed to
thermore, this usually caring and considerate person withstand stress and to be able to manage stress is
may display a lack of concern towards others or an enlightening and crucial to mental healthcare. For
out-of-character “I don’t care” attitude. instance, parental burnout can happen when a new
parent feels unable to continue carrying out basic
It should come as no surprise that employees in hu- tasks like bathing small children or doing the dish-
man services – including those in healthcare, mental es. And so, aiding a stressed-out mother in obtain-
health and correctional services – frequently expe- ing social support will allow her to take the required
rience burnout. Exhaustion, a lack of empathy and “me-time” and break from the constant demands of
doubting one’s self-competence are just a few symp- nurturing. This will protect both the mother’s sanity
toms that can result from long-term, unrelieved expo- and the children’s well-being.
sure to other people’s problems and toxic, unfavour-
able work settings. The effects of burnout can have A higher purpose and values
an impact on the person who experiences it as well In my practice as a psychologist, over and above the
as others in their environment. Consider instances application of stress reduction techniques, I deem it
where there are acts of frustration, where a door gets essential that time is set aside to consider and take
slammed shut or kicked. Burnout may be accompa- action on systemic and personal alignment with pur-
nied by unhealthy interpersonal relationships at work pose and values. Contemplating whether our per-
and home. sonal and work lives are worth living is itself a stress
reduction exercise. Regular intimacy with our higher
Although it is typically thought of as a psychological values is nurturing, boosts our vitality and makes us
process, burnout is more complex than that. Despite feel part of some interwoven meaning frame. Alter-
the fact that some people experience higher levels of nately, creating a home or work environment where
stress than others, their stress is less likely to lead to modest acts of kindness, generosity and helpfulness
burnout because they are more frequently connected are frequently displayed might prevent the build-up of
with what is significant in their lives. Some opinions chronic stress and anxiety.
on burnout neglect the primal human quest for signif-
icance in life. A meaningful existence involves having A tranquil and secure work environment
strong social ties, positive pride in our complicated Therefore, unless actions are taken to make work
identities rooted in “where we are from”, feeling pur- a place where employees can engage meaningful-
poseful, and the conviction of living a life that matters. ly with their duties, even the best workplace stress
One major issue facing modern civilisation is loneli- management programmes won’t be able to lower the
ness and isolation, which naturally frustrates desires risks of burnout. Employers may need to understand
for authentic connection and meaning. Belonging the advantages of attempting to create a strong net-
and interpersonal connections are key components work of secure interactions among employees in the
of meaning inside and outside the workplace. In mod- company. For employees to feel heard, recognised
ern times, people frequently transfer their desire for and valued, fostering a genuine sense of belonging
significance and purpose into their professional lives. through the deliberate nurturing of social cohesion
Some people may yearn to see that their labour has and the strategic advancement of the paradoxes of
significance beyond its purely economic usefulness. sameness, unity and diversity would be necessary.
They are interested in how their service or product Creativity at work thrives in a setting of socio-spiritu-
“fits” societal needs and wants. Employees may be al visibility and safety. A tranquil and secure work or
motivated by knowing that someone depends on and home environment is the cornerstone for preventing
benefits from their contributions at work. According and controlling stress and burnout.
to research, even in extreme professional stress sit-
uations, the work’s perceived meaning may prevent *This article was originally published in The Con-
burnout. versation online

40 SERVICE DELIVERY REVIEW | Volume 15. No. 3 of 2023