When Passion Leads to Burnout: the Paradox of the Business World
Introduction
The well-known advice that "if you do what you love, you'll never have to work a day in your life" is a nice thought, but completely wrong. If the work we love is seen as "not real work", the belief is that the more we love it, the more of it we have to do - in fact, always. This is the mentality can lead to burnout, and the impact on mental health can be significant. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently recognised burnout by adding it to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) categories, increasing the number of health care providers and insurers who recognise, treat and cover the symptoms.
The Reality of Burnout
We often hear the advice that "if you do what you love, you'll never have to work a day in your life." It's a nice sentiment, but it's completely false. If the work you love is seen as "not real work", the belief is that the more you love it, the more of it you have to do - in fact, all the time. This mentality can lead to burnout, and the consequences can be severe and hard to detect.
According to Jennifer Moss, expert and speaker on happiness at work, it's easy to get caught up in the work we love. She herself often feels at risk of burnout, despite loving her job. But burnout is not a fictional problem; the WHO recently added it to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) categories, recognising that failure to manage chronic work stress can lead to burnout.
Definition and Risk Factors of Burnout
According to the WHO, burnout is defined by three characteristic symptoms: a depletion of energy or a feeling of exhaustion, an increase in mental distance from work, and a decrease in professional effectiveness. While burnout can affect anyone in any industry, certain sectors and roles are particularly at risk, especially those who are passionate about their work. A Canadian study found that goal-oriented workers experience significantly higher stress and lower well-being, show more resilience and self-efficacy than those who are less committed.
The Professions concerned
Mission-oriented managers, employees of non-profit organisations, teachers/administrators, nurses and doctors are particularly at risk of fatigue. According to Edward Ellison, co-chair of The Permanente Federation, the effects of physician burnout are dramatic: 300-400 U.S. physicians commit suicide each year, a significantly higher rate than in the general population.
Proposals for solutions
According to Dr Ellison, one of the keys to preventing exhaustion is to set healthy boundaries. Leaders need to be aware that setting boundaries is not selfish, but on the contrary, it allows them to be more effective in their work and better serve those they are trying to serve.
According to Dr Caroline Elton, an expert in professional psychology, managers have a responsibility to monitor the wellbeing of their staff and she suggests specific measures such as monitoring employee absence and turnover, and putting in place clear policies to deal with harassment and workplace abuse.
The importance of Healthy Borders
One of the most important tasks for managers is to help their staff to set healthy boundaries. Setting healthy boundaries allows employees to work more effectively and avoid burnout. This is particularly important for those who are passionate about their work, as they tend to invest too much time and energy in it, which can be detrimental in the long run.
Technology and the Buronout
Modern technology, such as artificial intelligence and automation, can help increase work efficiency, but can also increase the risk of burnout. An "always on" culture, where people are constantly available and working, can contribute to burnout. Amy Blankson, founder and CEO of Positive Digital Culture, says that pushing digital boundaries is essential to reduce the risk of overwork and burnout. More than 50% workers in the US feel they need to check their email after 11pm to keep up with work, increasing the risk of burnout and reducing engagement.
Leadership Strategies to Prevent Burnout
Dr Ellison says leaders need to be made aware that passion can be a double-edged sword. If you are so inspired that you can't push the boundaries of what you do, burnout is inevitable. It is important that leaders teach their employees that pushing boundaries is not a selfish act, but a selfless one. This will allow them to be more effective in their work and better serve those they are trying to serve.
According to Dr Caroline Elton, managers have a responsibility to monitor the well-being of their staff. This includes monitoring indirect indicators such as employee absence and turnover, and putting in place clear policies to deal with harassment and workplace abuse. Dr Elton stresses that although self-awareness and self-management are important, burnout should not be placed solely on the shoulders of individuals. It is a systemic problem that managers need to address.
Prospects for the Future
Now that the WHO has recognised burnout as a real threat, organisations have the opportunity to develop measurement methods, programmes and support tools to address it. The goal is for everyone to go home from work feeling inspired and recharged, not exhausted.
Everyone needs a break from time to time, especially when our lives are overwhelmed by the passion of work. It's important to recognise the signs and take timely action to avoid boredom and dullness.
Closing thoughts
Finding a balance between passion and work can be challenging, but it is essential for long-term success and well-being. Leaders have a key role to play in supporting their employees to set healthy boundaries and prevent burnout. This is the only way to ensure that work is not just a task, but also an inspiring and rewarding experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, everyone wants work to inspire and recharge them, not lead to exhaustion. However, it is important to recognise when passion becomes excessive and to take timely action to prevent it. Drawing healthy boundaries and promoting well-being at work are key to preventing addiction from becoming burnout the source of.
