Why is burnout affecting more leaders?
Why are we seeing more leaders talking about burnout? Burnout is affecting more leaders than ever before. Leaders in the last 5 years have had to adapt fast. They have had to make an increasing number of decisions and make them at all hours of the day.
Increased workload
Many leaders are facing increasing demands and responsibilities in today’s fast-paced business environment. In the last couple of years, there have been big seismic shifts happening which we need to adapt to and adapt to fast. As I reflected here is a short list of influences that are making long-term strategic planning a thing of the past.
- COVID and having to make and understand changing health policies about what is appropriate and what is not and under what circumstances. With changing legislation about this issue.
- Flexible / Hybrid working whether we like it or not it’s here and we need to adapt how to run organisations differently.
- Cybersecurity we now also need to understand the threats to our organisations from unseen and unknown people that are moving at a pace that no leader could have understood 5-10 years ago.
- AI is yet another disruption to the way in which we work. No idea what this means or how to adapt
- Staff shortages across so many sectors are impacting what we can do and how we do it.
- Staff expectations of the employee and employer relationship have changed. The expectation is that staff can bring their whole self to the workplace and be accommodated and more importantly embraced.
With technology allowing us to be available 24/7, it can be very difficult to disconnect from work and take time for rest and rejuvenation. It’s also increasingly difficult to carve out the necessary time for deep thinking with the constant availability.
Pressure to perform
Leaders are often under pressure to meet high expectations and deliver results quickly. This can create a culture of “always on” and lead to burnout if leaders don’t take time to recharge.
Lack of support
Leaders may not have the necessary support or resources to manage their workload effectively. This can include a lack of support staff, inadequate training, or insufficient resources to complete tasks. Keeping pace with IT changes and HR requirements alone requires leaders to think differently.
Personal factors
Leaders may also experience burnout due to personal factors such as relationship problems, financial stress, or health issues.
What can you do?
It’s important to note that burnout is not a sign of weakness or failure. It is a very real and common issue that affects many leaders, and it can have serious consequences on both their personal and professional lives. By recognizing the signs of burnout and taking steps to prevent it, leaders can maintain their well-being and effectiveness over the long-term.
You need to look after yourself first!
Prioritise self-care
As a leader, it’s easy to get caught up in work and neglect your own needs. However, it’s important to prioritise self-care to avoid burnout. Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as exercise, reading, or spending time with loved ones.
Delegate tasks
You don’t have to do everything yourself! Delegating tasks to others can help lighten your workload and free up time for other important things in your life. Make sure you trust your team and communicate clearly to ensure that tasks are completed to your satisfaction.
Set boundaries
It’s important to set boundaries to prevent burnout. This includes setting limits on your work hours, prioritizing your own needs, and learning to say “no” when necessary.
Get support
Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or professional counselor about your struggles with burnout. You don’t have to go through it alone.
Reflect on your values
Burnout can be a sign that you are not aligned with your values or goals. Take some time to reflect on what is most important to you and make adjustments in your life as needed to ensure that you are living in alignment with your values.
Remember, as a leader, taking care of yourself is not only important for your own well-being, but also for the well-being of those around you. By prioritising self-care and setting boundaries, you can prevent burnout and be a more effective leader in the long run.