BURNOUT SYNDROME: 7 STEPS TO COMBAT IT - DUDAS - 2025

The burnout syndrome or burnout syndrome is a set of symptoms suffered by professionals, mainly in the service sector, characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and feelings of not feeling professionally fulfilled.

The burnout syndrome causes in the worker a feeling of extreme fatigue that develops psychosomatic disorders. In addition, people who suffer from it begin to be insensitive and hostile towards their colleagues and relatives, which is why other interpersonal problems occur.

Finally, not feeling professionally fulfilled makes workers lose interest in their functions, lowering their involvement and performance.

The professionals who are most at risk of developing this syndrome are those who work with the public. For example, a stewardess who has to constantly attend to passenger complaints, or a waiter who has to "put up with" the rudeness of some customers.

Causes of burnout syndrome

The main cause is direct contact with customers in the service sector; identification with their problems, attending to complaints, controlling emotions, all of these are sources of stress experienced by professionals.

Therefore, its origin is the workplace, although it is facilitated by other personal factors. A more temperamental person, with less capacity for self-control, and less emotionally unstable, will be more likely to develop it.

What workplace factors help burnout to appear?

Work environment

Noise, heat, hygienic conditions, space are conditions that help burnout to appear since they generate stress and prolonged stress at work gives rise to burnout. Others, already linked to the position, are night work, hazards, work overload…

Role conflict, interpersonal relationships and career development

Role conflict is called when we are not clear about what is expected of us at work, which helps to produce burnout.

On the other hand, the lack of cohesion between colleagues, only formal relationships, or aggressive colleagues and bosses, are factors that will also help, as well as the lack of opportunities to grow within the company.

Conflicts with technology

If the worker does not have previous training in the use of technology or for some reason it is difficult for him to learn, he may develop frustration, stress and burnout syndrome.

What personal factors help burnout appear?

Sociodemographic characteristics

Younger people are more vulnerable because they are inexperienced, as are single and childless people.

Personality

Competitive, impatient, intolerant people, with low self-esteem, are more likely to develop this syndrome.

Coping strategies

People who actively try to solve their problems have fewer feelings of burnout. This is called a Problem-Centered Coping Strategy.

On the contrary, people who use passive strategies (not facing the problem directly) are more likely to develop it.

Lack of social support

Cope with problems actively

Problems tend to grow, even if you try to ignore them, they are still there and they tend to grow. To overcome them it is necessary to face them directly and solve them. In short, one way to troubleshoot can be:

1-Ask yourself: What problems are causing discomfort in my life / work?

2-Make a plan to solve it. Example: Step 1-Call the boss and tell him that the computer is slow. 2-Explain why it is good for the company to change it for a better one…

Create social support inside and outside of work

Having social support is important not only to combat this syndrome, but to better manage stress, have a healthy self-esteem and be happy in general.

Deal with stress

There are several ways to manage stress, including relaxation techniques or coping strategies.

Relax with free time

To recharge your batteries for work, it is important to take time to rest or do leisure activities; practice relaxation techniques, walk, practice sports, go to the gym, yoga classes…

Improve self-esteem

Self-esteem is a personal trait that can be developed, although it takes time and work. Some of the best ways to develop it is by being aware of the critical voice, playing sports, practicing new activities or socializing.

Communicate effectively

Be calm and relaxed, show that you listen to the other person, ask for their opinion, speak in the first person (I feel…), look for points in agreement with the other person, reproach in a respectful and concrete way, know how to say no, avoid That they manipulate you, arrive at a solution that benefits both parties and do not focus the conflict on the personal.

Plan your work managing time and prioritizing

Being productive is essential to avoid stress and not feel frustrated. With proper use of time, you can get more done in less time and avoid feeling burned out with work.

Change job

If you don't like your job or you think your personality doesn't match it, you can consider looking for another job. Ideally, before leaving your current job, look for another.

Work occupies a large part of our lives and it is worth trying to find one that we like.