Avoiding Burnout

How Burnout Sabotages Organizational Change

Burnout is more than just exhaustion.  Burnout is a debilitating state in which enthusiasm wanes and accomplishments cease.  Unfortunately, it also frequently accompanies organizational change. 

• Burnout leads to chronic as well as severe health problems, including headaches, continuous colds, skin rashes, heart disease and gastrointestinal ailments. 
  
• Employees who are burned out often attempt 'false cures' by overindulging in alcohol, smoking, drugs, food and the work itself. 
  
• Feelings of paranoia, cynicism, suspicion and anger accompany burnout and lead to poor interpersonal relationships in the workplace. 

Overcoming burnout during a change initiative frees up employee energy, creativity and commitment.  No organizational change should ever be attempted without addressing the very real threat of employee burnout.