In January 2022, the WHO – World Health Organization - recognized Burnout Syndrome as an occupational disease. This initiative was necessary, given the explosion of cases among workers worldwide, and it can lead to more serious problems, such as severe depression and, if left untreated, even suicide.

According to research by the National Association of Occupational Medicine (Anamt), in Brazil alone, 30% of the 100 million workers received a diagnosis of Burnout due to a long and uninterrupted period of dedication to a professional activity, without the necessary breaks for rest or relaxation.

To better understand what this ailment is about and how it develops, the blog Zapper interviewed Communication Specialist and Clinical Psychoanalyst, Sônia Kosar. Follow along:

What is Burnout?

Burnout Syndrome is a mental disorder caused by various issues that are currently quite common in the corporate environment: conditions of extreme demands and wear; constant pressure for results; exhausting contact with many people and diverse demands; inadequate or limited work conditions; conflicts without prospects for solutions; excessive workload and extended hours. All of this occurs when the individual neglects the simplest signs that they need to stop, rest, delegate, ask for help, or support.

What are the most common complaints among your clients who present this diagnosis?

The most common complaints start with physical signs that are easily recognized in situations of fatigue, such as altered breathing (short) with difficulty in catching air, increased blood pressure, muscle pain, changes in bowel function (diarrhea or lack of bowel movement), tachycardia without physical exertion, appearance of allergies with skin manifestations, headaches, and excessive sweating without the presence of physical effort.

Can we say that this problem affects more professionals in higher positions?

Professionals who most exhibit Burnout Syndrome are in groups of activities that involve greater contact and responsibility with people and processes. Thus, top executives, healthcare professionals, firefighters, police officers, teachers, judicial officers, and bank employees are among the most affected.

This syndrome has been increasing in the corporate environment. Do you believe that the pandemic accelerated the reach of this disease?

The pandemic added an extra degree of attention to the routine of all people. And in the case of healthcare professionals, the demands are even greater. But if we consider everything we have been exposed to beyond the virus, we certainly conclude that social isolation was an aggravating factor in the stress already present in people who are unaware of the importance of “balance” in life.

How should the organization treat the employee who is going through Burnout?

Information is the main factor for prevention and care. Human Resources professionals, Facilities Managers, or Social Assistance managers in companies need to delve deeper into the subject for better observation of labor laws and also to encourage employees to adopt good habits.

The organization can create Relaxation and Welcoming Spaces, encourage the practice of physical activities or in-company meditation. Another differentiator can be the formalization of breaks throughout the day and providing guidelines on nutrition.

Partnerships with therapeutic clinics to shorten the path to psychological support are a quick measure to avoid a serious outcome, but the company's attention to maintaining a healthy and psychologically safe organizational climate is at the base of preventing Burnout Syndrome.

How should leaders and managers act daily to prevent this problem?

A leader who is attentive and available to their employees is unlikely to miss when symptoms of Burnout appear in someone on the team, but some attitudes make a difference in preventing the problem from settling in or worsening. They should:

• Provide positive encouragement, instead of aggressive demands;

• Respect periods of time off and vacations, as this demonstrates recognition of the need to balance work hours with rest;

• Create open and positive communication, which reduces the pressure and fear that lead to stress and, consequently, Burnout Syndrome.

How can people avoid reaching Burnout?

Balance is key! For exhausting work, a dose of light and pleasurable activity creates a dynamic of adequate mental and physical health.

Physical exercises, especially weight training, produce neurotransmitters essential for restoring healthy mental functioning. Daily practice of meditation, along with breathing exercises and attention to posture, also helps create focus and serenity. And finally, a smile on your face! The corners of the mouth, when contracted into a smile, create a position that neuroanatomy interprets as “EVERYTHING IS WELL!”. This way, the mind seeks thoughts that are congruent with this message.

Zapper can also help in the prevention of this disease!

It is a commitment of leadership and managers to also care for the mental health of their subordinates, and a tool that certainly helps in this case is the Zapper platform, which features the Analytics resource. With it, it is possible to monitor employees' communication through corporate WhatsApp and identify if they are working beyond their hours, which can imply overload, stress, and Burnout.

With another resource, Control, it is possible to analyze conversations qualitatively and identify the ‘temperature’ at which the employee is operating, that is, Zapper can point out if there is the use of inappropriate language, harassment of all kinds, among others.

It is evident that avoiding Burnout depends on a joint effort and the awareness of all involved. We already have tools for this!

Click here and count on Zapper's help!