According to a Gallup Organisation survey in the United States, almost two thirds of American workers are experiencing stress as a result of the economic recession; an estimated 28% of the workforce in Europe (40 million workers) are affected; stress also plays a role in the high suicide rate in Japan, where suicide is the 13th most common cause of death in Japan, with men in the 35-44 age group, being the most vulnerable. South Africans fare no better: an estimated 30-40% of South Africans experience high levels of stress.
Stress is not the preserve of executives, senior managers, managers and high-flyers: it affects employees at every level within the organisation.
Stress levels in South Africa are heightened by trauma, crime, violence, and the fact that the country is going through a challenging economic climate.
Indicative of the high stress levels, South Africa boasts the third highest divorce level in the world, one of the highest motor vehicle accidents in the world and the fifth highest incidence of coronary disease in the world.
Managers need to be able to identify the warning signs for stress and burnout. They also need to monitor their own stress levels as well as those of their staff, so that remedial action can be taken early.
Sadly, although there are clear warning signs for stress and burnout these are often undetected as any slumps in performance are attributed to attitude and tiredness.
What should one look for? During the first stage of burnout individuals becoming anxious and struggle to control stress. They find that they are unable to deal with issues on a day-to-day basis, and may even “fall to pieces”. Sleeping problems, particularly early morning waking, forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating are also warning signs.
Symptoms become far more pronounced during the second stage. Warning signs include absenteeism, lateness or a “don’t care attitude”. Individuals may constantly complain about tiredness: they may also procrastinate and struggle to make decisions. They may become overwhelmed by their workload and they may start withdrawing. There is a danger of substance abuse, particularly the abuse of over the counter medication such as sleeping tablets, followed by another tablet to help them wake up in the morning.
During the third stage of burnout, the so-called classic burnout, the individual appears to be in a state of deep depression. There is a chronic sense of sadness and fatigue. The individual may experience self-destructive thoughts, including suicide as there does not appear to be a way out. The individual will become increasingly withdrawn and isolated. Even things that the individual usually enjoys may not give them any pleasure.
It is important to recognise that stress, is not necessarily evil. As Hans Selye, who coined the term “stress”, observed: “Without stress, there would be no life.” The challenge, is to strike the balance, to have sufficient stress to perform optimally, with passion and energy, with time to rest and recover.
Burnout is treatable. However, the earlier burnout is identified, the better.
This may prove challenging as individuals suffering from chronic stress or burnout may not understand that the situation in which they find themselves is not normal, and even where they recognise that there is a problem, they may be extremely reticent to seek help for fear of being stigmatized.
A paradigm shift is needed in the workplace: managers need to move away from punitive patterns. They need to recognise that personal problems and stress have implications for an individual’s ability to function at work. Their role is to refer candidates to suitably qualified professionals for support. Employee Assistance Programmes play a very important role in this regard. In fact, South Africa is a world leader in this arena.
I encourage you to be more aware about your stress wellbeing, those you manage, those around you and your loved ones as recovery increases exponentially with a good social support structure.
- Bonnie Currin