Causes and Prevention of Burnout in Human Services Staff
Latonia Gover
BSHS/462
October 30, 2011
Mary Beth Bova
Causes and Prevention of Burnout in Human Services Staff Burnout is a bad situation to have to face, the best thing for this type of situation is to pay attention and to know the signs. The definition of burnout is a state of believing he or she is overwhelmed coming from prolongs high stress. The discussion of burnout has regard to individual, cultural, organization, supervisor, and social support factors that cause burnout. In the discussion I will share ways to prevent burnout, ways to recognize it once it has happened and ways to handle burnout after it has occurred. I will examine my own personality and share an example of how burnout has affected me in the past and what I will do at my next opportunity of employment. The definition of burnout in a work sense it refers to a state of overwhelming feeling, emotional listlessness, and depression because prolong levels of high stress (Scott, 2010) this is usually work-related or in life demands. Some symptoms of burnout is lack of motivation, irritability, physical systems slows down, headaches or fatigue, loss of creativity, anger, not wanting to go to work or do anything, and a change in sleep pattern (Scott, 2011). Those who face burnout feel as if he or she has no control over their lives, receive little recognition for accomplishments, have unclear expectations placed on them, and lack of social support (Scott, 2011). Burnout also consists of emotional exhaustion, lack of sense that a person can do what he or she want and need to do. Some more symptoms are depleted physical energy, lowered immunity to illness, increasingly pessimistic outlook on relationship and life, feelings of resentment, hopelessness, and increase absenteeism, and inefficiency at work. Feelings of detachment, sense of failure and self doubt, believing he or she is trapped and defeated with a decrease in satisfaction, and a decrease feeling of accomplishment. Some causes is overworked, undervalued, burnout at work is stressful work with to many responsibilities. More causes are not enough time to relax and socialize, not receiving enough sleep, and working in a chaotic atmosphere. As an individual is burnout this could be considered a personality trait it is a factor setting career goals too high, or setting expectation too high for his or herself. For organizational burnout comes with a competitive climate, large amounts of conflict, lack of feedback, trust, low openness. More organizational burnout may be overload at work, unclear expectations, too many job duties or responsibilities, and low motivating potential. In supervision and social support a lack of decision-making could contribute to or increases the likelihood of becoming burnout. Cultural burnout is the aspects of the culture at large, a declining feeling of belonging to the community, frustrating, expectations, competition, and people can create an atmosphere that will burn them out. While examining my own personality in a work atmosphere, I do not do well with work-related stress. I have uncontrollable crying, sadness, low work desire. I would be irritable, have no desire to prepare for work, I would call in and call off when possible. I have been in a situation such as this before. The last job I had I was burnout on I lost interest in the job I receive not recognition for stopping thieves, working for other employees to have days off, and keeping the store clean and clear. I worked at a dollar store where it was difficult to go to work and I would cry before I went in. I believed I was not equal to everyone else and that I did not belong there, I felt as if they were treating me differently, I felt like an outcast. I believed that I did more work that everyone else and the work that no one wanted to do I had no choice in doing. The next position or job that I will obtain, I will make sure that it is related to my degree something that I chose to do. I would find something interesting in the job to hold my attention I would communicate with my coworkers and clients. Preventing burnout began with starting the day with a relaxing ritual do something inspiring, example look in the mirror and tells his or herself that he or she is a good strong person. Possessing healthy eating habits, exercising, and sleep habits, and go to bed at a reasonable time. Set boundaries, learn to say no. A daily break from technology allow personal time disconnect his or herself and do something that he or she like, back away from the computer do something different during the day. Nourish his or hers creative side, start a fun project try something new (Smith, Segal & Segal, 2011). He or she must learn to manage stress, slow down, obtain support or help, reevaluate personal goals and priorities, and address the problem. Clarify his or hers job description so that he or she is not doing other people jobs, ask for new duties, and take time off. For a supervisor he or she should be on alert in case of burnout occurs kept the creativity current, allow the employees to have break free from work do not disturb them, maybe switch up jobs. The supervisor should pay close attention to his or her employees and how well they are doing there job, develop a support group, resolve any conflicts that may occur at the workplace. Provide acknowledgement when deserved, prevent work overload on one employee, ask questions if there seems to be a problem, and beware of absenteeism.

Burnout can occur at any time at home or at the workplace the trick is catching it or noticing that things are not right with at the beginning before it becomes too bad. Everyone should pay attention to the signs and seek some help or support. I have given an example of burnout and how I would handle it with my next career choice. As a supervisor he or she should be aware of their surroundings the workplace and their employees to prevent this type of situation.

Reference

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