Burnout Isn’t Just an Individual Problem—It’s a Systemic Issue
Workplaces are often where we pour so much of our energy, creativity, and time, yet they can also become the very spaces that drain us the most. As a psychotherapist, I’ve witnessed how burnout quietly takes root—subtly at first, until it grows into something overwhelming. It’s not just about lost productivity; burnout seeps into our emotional well-being, our relationships, and the way we experience life.
In this blog, I’ll explore simple strategies to prevent burnout and weave in some of Vikki Reynolds’ powerful concepts, such as collective care and ethical resistance, to reframe how we approach workplace mental health.
“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” - Albert Einstein
What Is Burnout?
Burnout is more than just feeling tired after a long day. It’s a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, often linked to work. Common signs include:
Feeling emotionally drained or detached.
A sense of ineffectiveness or lack of accomplishment.
Physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or sleep disturbances.
Burnout thrives in environments where there’s a lack of support, unrealistic expectations, or a culture that prioritises productivity over people. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Simple Steps to Prevent Burnout
1. Prioritise Rest and Recovery
Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Build regular breaks into your day, even if it’s just five minutes to step away from your desk or take a deep breath.
Sleep is foundational—aim for 7-9 hours a night to allow your body and mind to recover.
2. Set Boundaries
Learn to say no when your plate is full. Boundaries protect your energy and ensure you’re not overextending yourself.
Create a clear separation between work and personal life. For example, avoid checking emails after work hours.
3. Engage in Collective Care
Vikki Reynolds emphasises the importance of collective care over self-care. Instead of placing the burden solely on individuals to manage their stress, workplaces can create systems of support.
Examples of collective care include peer check-ins, team debriefs, and fostering a culture where asking for help is normalised.
4. Reframe Productivity
Reynolds challenges the idea of “grind culture” and invites us to resist the pressure to constantly produce. Instead, focus on meaningful work and celebrate small wins.
Ask yourself: What truly matters in my work? This shift can help you reconnect with your purpose and reduce feelings of overwhelm.
5. Practice Ethical Resistance
Ethical resistance, another concept from Reynolds, involves pushing back against harmful workplace norms that contribute to burnout. For example, advocating for fair workloads or challenging unrealistic deadlines.
This isn’t about being confrontational—it’s about creating a healthier, more sustainable work environment for everyone.
6. Foster Connection
Isolation can exacerbate burnout. Build connections with colleagues by sharing experiences, offering support, and creating a sense of community.
Regular team-building activities or informal chats can strengthen relationships and reduce stress.
7. Engage in Reflective Practices
Take time to reflect on your values and how they align with your work. Journaling, mindfulness, or even a quick mental check-in can help you stay grounded.
Reynolds often speaks about the importance of staying connected to our values as a way to sustain ourselves in challenging work environments.
A Collaborative Approach
Ultimately, addressing burnout in workplaces with systemic issues requires a collaborative effort. Leadership must take responsibility for systemic change, HR must provide the abilities and policies to support it, employees must engage in collective care and advocacy, and external experts can guide the process. By working together, these groups can create a workplace culture that prioritises mental health and well-being for everyone.
A New Perspective on Workplace Mental Health
Burnout isn’t just an individual problem—it’s a systemic issue. By embedding concepts like collective care and ethical resistance into workplace culture, we can create environments where people feel supported, valued, and empowered.
Remember, preventing burnout isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Small, consistent steps can make a big difference in how we feel and function at work. Let’s prioritise mental health, not just for ourselves, but for the collective well-being of our teams and communities.
“Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.” – Vincent Van Gogh
