Are you feeling burnt out from work?
In light of recent news that one-third of UK employees are afflicted by depression and burn-out in the workplace, Dr Tom Stevens, Consultant Psychiatrist at London Bridge Hospital, sheds some light on the causes and how best to tackle the rising problem.
A new report has revealed that mental health issues are costing the EU £77bn a year, highlighting the need for businesses to take more responsibility in confronting the issue. With this in mind, Dr Stevens comments on the impact of the workplace culture in the incidences of employee depression and burn-out:
“The workplace culture is a really important issue here – supportive and confidential relationships are well-recognised mitigating factors in the emergence of depression. The consistent mentoring and support that is available when employees have longer attachments to organisations is less frequently available given the transient nature of much of today's work.”
“Above all, expectations on entering the job are key. I fear that too much hyperbole is used to sell many jobs and that the reality of many work roles fall short of the "opportunities" with which the roles are advertised to them.”
“Other factors that influence the current rates of burn-out are the amount of autonomy someone has - doctors with less control over their work have been shown to suffer more stress compared to those with more autonomy.”
Dr Stevens continues, advising both employees and employers on how best to reduce incidences of depression and stress: “I think there is much about our current workplaces that needs to be reviewed and businesses should take more responsibility. In the meantime the most important decision for individuals to make is to choose the people you work with very carefully. If you have poor quality relationships with your peers, it is time to get a new job. Don't get embroiled in unnecessary workplace disputes, which you are unlikely to resolve. Don't work too hard and forget to spend time with family and friends and keep up your interests and activities outside of work.”
Businesses are set to launch a new initiative to address the rising rates of depression and stress in the work place, setting out guidelines for spotting and helping employees with mental health issues. Dr Stevens advises employers on how to spot the signs of depression and stress: “Depression can present in different ways in different personalities. However most people will lose their general enthusiasm for life, reduce their social activities and may appear more unhappy, tired and inattentive. The most common initial symptoms of stress are fatigue, sleep disturbance and mood swings. With more enduring and unresolved stress, mental disorders such as depression can become a problem and your ability to work and function start to suffer.”