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Burnout: causes and opportunities

Margit Schuß (small picture) has valuable tips

(Bild: Krone KREATIV/AK Steiermark, stock.adobe.com)

Permanent overload in professional life can often lead to enormous stress situations and even burnout. Margit Schuß, an expert on bullying and burnout at the Styrian Chamber of Labor, knows what measures companies can take to counteract this.

The modern working world often leads to stress and burnout. Stress is a natural reaction of the body to challenges and strain. Short-term stress can have a motivating effect and increase performance. It becomes problematic when stress becomes chronic and the body can no longer find sufficient recovery phases. This can lead to burnout, a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion.

Burnout is a gradual process
Burnout is not a sudden event, but a gradual process that often develops over months or years. Those affected feel permanently overwhelmed, empty and burnt out. Typical symptoms include sleep disorders, concentration problems, a feeling of inner emptiness and physical complaints such as headaches or back pain.

Internal measures are crucial for prevention in order to reduce the excessive demands placed on employees. For example, a corporate culture of mindfulness, clear substitution rules, exemplary management behavior and working conditions that do not make people ill are needed. The establishment of a company health promotion program is also recommended.