Burnout often creeps in quietly, disguised by everyday stress and fatigue.
Image: Tima Miroshnichenko/pexels
Burnout isn’t always the dramatic meltdown we imagine. It doesn’t require a public breakdown or an impulsive resignation letter.
More often than not, burnout sneaks up quietly, disguised as everyday tiredness, irritability, or that persistent feeling that you’re just not quite yourself anymore. We live in a country where economic pressures, job insecurity, and long work hours are common, and burnout is a hidden epidemic threatening careers and well-being alike.
A recent Deloitte survey revealed that 77% of employees worldwide have experienced burnout at work, with nearly half admitting it happens “sometimes” or “very often”.
While this data is global, the South African workplace context makes these numbers even more significant.
With many South Africans juggling multiple jobs, battling high unemployment rates, or working long hours in demanding sectors like mining, retail, and healthcare, the risk of burnout is high yet often unrecognised.
Burnout is more than just feeling tired after a long week. It’s a chronic state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. But what makes it tricky is that the early warning signs are often overlooked or misinterpreted.
Leaders should foster open conversations about mental health, promote reasonable workloads, and support flexible working arrangements where possible.
Image: Tara Winstead/pexels
The blurring of boundaries between work and personal life, accelerated by the rise of remote work and digital connectivity, has made it harder to distinguish when work stress ends and personal time begins.
The "keep going" mentality and cultural expectation of resilience are common in many workplaces, and no surprise that many suffer in silence or are unaware that their actions threaten their wellbeing.
Moreover, limited access to mental health resources and stigma around discussing mental wellbeing contribute to the invisibility of burnout.
Prioritise self-awareness: Start by tuning into your body and mind. Notice persistent tiredness, mood shifts, or changes in your work performance. Journaling or mental health apps can help track these patterns.
Set clear boundaries: Even in demanding jobs, try to create boundaries. This might mean switching off emails after hours or setting realistic daily goals.
Seek support: South Africa has growing resources for mental health, including employee assistance programs and online counselling platforms like Mindset Health or LifeWorks SA. Don’t hesitate to reach out.
Educate employers: Companies need to recognise burnout as a serious issue. Leaders should foster open conversations about mental health, promote reasonable workloads, and support flexible working arrangements where possible. Burnout isn’t just an individual problem, it’s a societal and economic issue.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) estimates that untreated mental health conditions cost the economy hundreds and thousands each year through lost productivity and absenteeism. Addressing burnout early can improve employee well-being, reduce turnover, and boost overall economic resilience.
In conclusion, burnout often creeps in quietly, disguised by everyday stress and fatigue. For South African professionals navigating complex work environments and economic pressures, recognising these overlooked signs early is crucial.
It’s not just about surviving your job, it’s about preserving your passion, purpose, and well-being.
