The Employee Pulse
Podcast Description
This inaugural episode introduces the concept of burnout, exploring its definition, prevalence, and the physical and psychological symptoms that manifest when work-related stress becomes chronic and overwhelming.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on the prevention and understanding of burnout, detailing topics such as its causes, symptoms, and real-life experiences of those affected. Episodes, for example, cover the physical and psychological symptoms of burnout, the differences between stress and burnout, and practical strategies for prevention, including early warning signs.
This inaugural episode introduces the concept of burnout, exploring its definition, prevalence, and the physical and psychological symptoms that manifest when work-related stress becomes chronic and overwhelming.
Welcome to Employee Insights: Understanding and Overcoming Burnout!
I’m Clara Mitchell, an organizational psychologist, and I’m joined by Leo Chen, a former tech worker who experienced burnout firsthand. In this podcast, we’ll explore burnout—its causes, symptoms, prevention strategies, and real-life experiences.
Today’s episode: Recognizing the Signs: The Anatomy of Burnout.
Burnout is a workplace syndrome caused by chronic stress, officially recognized by the WHO in 2019. It involves three key dimensions:
- Exhaustion – Constant fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest.
- Cynicism – Feeling detached and negative toward work.
- Reduced Efficacy – Declining sense of competence and productivity.
Physical Impact: Chronic stress disrupts cortisol levels, affecting sleep, immunity, and overall health. Symptoms include insomnia, frequent illness, headaches, and digestive issues.
Psychological Impact: Burnout causes emotional numbness, decision fatigue, anxiety, depression, and self-doubt, often spilling into personal life.
Burnout vs. Stress: Stress is temporary and manageable; burnout feels endless, leading to disengagement and exhaustion. Unlike stress, burnout doesn’t improve with rest or vacations.
Early Warning Signs:
Persistent fatigue despite rest
Increased irritability and cynicism
Sunday night dread and anxiety
Frequent illnesses or physical discomfort
Withdrawing from coworkers
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