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Employee Burnout | Causes, Signs, and Symptoms

Interlude Hypnotherapy

Employee Burnout – Causes, Signs, and Symptoms

Published: August, 2025

Employee burnout is a pervasive issue impacting workplaces globally. From decreased productivity to increased mental health challenges, its effects ripple through organisations and their employees. Tackling burnout is not just an individual responsibility but an organisational imperative. This article covers the causes, signs, and strategies to address and prevent employee burnout, empowering professionals and businesses to create healthier work environments.

What Is Employee Burnout?

Employee burnout is officially defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a state of chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is characterised by three main dimensions:

  • Physical and emotional exhaustion – Feelings of depletion and fatigue.
  • Depersonalisation – Increased mental distance from one’s job or negative feelings towards one’s work.
  • Reduced accomplishment – A perceived decline in work performance and purpose.

This condition is different from occasional stress or a bad day at work. Burnout evolves over time, manifesting through a combination of physical, emotional, and behavioural symptoms.

Causes of Employee Burnout

Causes of Employee Burnout

Understanding the root causes of burnout is key to preventing and managing it effectively. Here’s a closer look at common contributors:

1. Workplace Stressors

Workplace stress is often at the heart of employee burnout. Key triggers include:

  • Excessive workload – Unrealistic deadlines and high workloads leave employees with little time to recover.
  • Micromanagement – Lack of autonomy can frustrate employees and reduce their sense of ownership over their roles.
  • Unclear expectations – Ambiguity in job responsibilities can lead to confusion and stress.
  • Long work hours A relentless work schedule with insufficient breaks can result in physical and emotional depletion.

2. Organisational Factors

The overall workplace culture and leadership approach can either mitigate or aggravate burnout.

  • Weak managerial support – Employees who feel unsupported by leadership are more likely to experience burnout.
  • Toxic workplace culture – Teams with poor communication, conflict, and a lack of inclusivity tend to produce higher stress levels.
  • Limited resources – Insufficient tools or knowledge to perform a task adds to the pressure and exhaustion.

3. Personal Factors

Individual habits and traits also contribute to burnout:

  • Perfectionism – People striving for perfection often impose unrealistic expectations on themselves.
  • Work-life imbalance – When work dominates personal time, it can lead to emotional burnout.
  • Lack of self-care – Neglecting physical and mental health can quickly deplete energy reserves.

Signs and Symptoms of Employee Burnout

Signs and Symptoms of Employee Burnout

The symptoms of burnout often manifest in multiple ways. Being mindful of these signs can help individuals and organisations intervene early.

1. Physical Symptoms

  • Persistent fatigue despite adequate rest.
  • Frequent headaches and muscle pain.
  • Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia.

2. Emotional Symptoms

  • Feelings of detachment or cynicism towards work.
  • Increased irritability and mood swings.
  • Loss of enthusiasm and motivation.

3. Behavioural Symptoms

  • Noticeable drop in productivity or performance.
  • Procrastination and withdrawal from work-related responsibilities.
  • Isolation from colleagues or reduced interaction in team settings.

These workplace burnout symptoms often overlap with stress-related conditions. A burnout symptoms test could help distinguish the two and focus on appropriate remedies.

The Impact of Employee Burnout

Burnout has significant consequences for both employees and organisations.

On Employees

  • Mental health issues – Burnout is linked to anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion.
  • Physical health – Chronic stress associated with burnout can lead to cardiovascular issues and compromised immune systems.

On Organisations

  • Reduced productivity – Overwhelmed employees may struggle to meet expectations.
  • High turnover – Burnout can drive talented employees to seek less demanding jobs.
  • Cost implications – Recruitment, absenteeism, and healthcare costs increase significantly for companies suffering from widespread burnout.

Strategies to Address and Prevent Burnout

Addressing burnout requires effort from both employees and employers. Here are actionable strategies for preventing and reducing workplace stress.

For Employees

  • Self-Care Practices – Prioritising activities like yoga, mindfulness, or hypnotherapy can help manage stress and restore balance.
  • Boundary Setting – Learn to say “no” and limit work-related obligations beyond office hours.
  • Seek Support – Speaking with HR or a supervisor about workloads and stress levels can open pathways to solutions.

For Employers

  • Create a Healthy Workplace Environment:
    • Promote breaks and flexible schedules to encourage work-life balance.
    • Foster an open-door culture where employees feel safe to voice concerns.
  • Provide Mental Health Resources – Access to counselling, burnout recovery programmes, or stress management workshops can make a notable difference.
  • Recognise and Appreciate Effort – Acknowledging employees’ hard work boosts morale and makes them feel valued.

Prioritise Mental Health and Prevent Burnout

Prioritise Mental Health and Prevent Burnout

Employee burnout is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. Recognising the causes, signs, and symptoms of stress in the workplace is the first step in tackling burnout for individuals and organisations alike. By adopting the right mix of preventive strategies—from workload management to promoting mental health resources—businesses can create an environment that values well-being as much as productivity.

Get in touch today to book your free 15-minute consultation.

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The Vibrant Women in Business™ programme is your pathway to success, guiding you on a personal and professional journey to empowerment and growth. Combining Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy, MP3 hypnosis audios, and reflective activities, this transformative programme enhances your well-being and fosters a success-oriented mindset. It’s designed to empower you to thrive in both your business and personal life.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Interlude Hypnotherapy

What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a state of focused concentration combined with therapeutic instructions. In everyday life, we naturally enter this state without even realising it—whether it’s getting lost in a book, losing track of time while driving, or being completely absorbed in social media. This state, known as ‘trance,’ is not about swinging watches or stage tricks; it’s a practical and therapeutic tool.

During a Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy Session, I will guide you into this focused state to help you replace negative programming with positive alternatives. Through this process, we can effectively address issues like anxiety, fear, insomnia, and much more, empowering you to make lasting changes.

What Happens in a Hypnotherapy Session?

In a hypnotherapy session, you’ll typically be seated comfortably in a chair or lying on a couch with your eyes closed. I will guide you into a state of deep relaxation and heightened focus, known as a trance. In this receptive state, we can work together to transform how you perceive and handle your issues.

In your first session, I’ll explain how the brain works, how problems can develop, and what can be done to help. You’ll receive a relaxation audio to support the work we do in our sessions. As you relax, I’ll offer tailored suggestions and new ideas. While in trance, you may be asked to speak briefly or acknowledge experiences, but your thoughts remain private.

In subsequent sessions, we’ll start by discussing the positive aspects of your week and the progress you’ve made. You’ll be encouraged to envision how you’d like your life to be and identify small changes that could improve your situation. This sets the stage for deeper work in trance, guiding you toward lasting change. Throughout the process, you’ll remain in control and aware of your surroundings, experiencing a deep sense of calm and relaxation that many clients find highly enjoyable.

Is it Safe?

Rest assured, hypnotherapy is completely safe, and you are always in control. You cannot be made to do or say anything against your will, and if any suggestion doesn’t feel right, you can simply ignore it. If you were to feel uncomfortable at any point, you would naturally become consciously aware and could easily bring yourself out of the relaxed state. There’s no risk of getting stuck in a trance, and you’ll remain fully aware and safe throughout the session.

Many clients notice positive changes even after just one session, as unhelpful thought patterns start to fade away. While these initial shifts may be subtle, over time, clients often experience a heightened sense of calm, empowerment, and an overall more positive outlook on life.

How Do I Prepare For My Sessions?

Come with an open mind, believing in the effectiveness of hypnotherapy and a genuine desire to make positive changes. It’s beneficial to schedule sessions for times when you can fully engage with the hypnotherapy process.

Please provide at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule a session to avoid cancellation fees. Your commitment and respect for appointment times ensures the best outcome for your therapy.

Feeling tired is perfectly okay, as it may facilitate relaxation and deeper engagement with the therapy. However, please refrain from attending sessions if you are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. For safety reasons, hypnotherapy cannot be conducted if you’re already in an altered state of consciousness. In such cases, sessions will be rescheduled, and cancellation fees may apply.

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

The number of sessions required varies depending on your specific needs and the nature of your issue. Typically, clients find resolution within six to eight sessions. However, I always aim to ensure your treatment is both efficient and effective, minimising the number of sessions needed.

Smoking Cessation and Stopping Vaping are usually addressed in a single extended session, while certain Phobias can often be treated in four sessions. The Virtual Gastric Band Weight Loss Programme and HypnoBand® Weight Loss System are typically conducted over four to five sessions.

How Much Will It All Cost?

If you’re concerned about the price, know that hypnotherapy is more affordable than you might expect, especially when compared to the cost of not addressing your issue and of talking therapies alone.

Consider the true cost of allowing your problem to persist unchecked. Investing in your well-being now can lead to long-term benefits and a happier, more fulfilling life.

Our Initial Consultation (IC) is priced at £75 (60 Minutes) and conducted online.  Subsequent Sessions are £85 (50-60 Minutes) and conducted online or face-to-face in Sheffield.  Take advantage of Discounted Rates when you book 6 Session Packages, allowing you to save money while investing in your health and happiness.

I have partnered up with Network and can provide a 10% discount for Teachers, Carers, Health Service and Charity workers.

What Are My Next Steps?

Our journey begins with your Initial Consultation (IC) which you can conveniently book and pay for online.

This session is an opportunity for you to discuss your issue, explore your current feelings, personal goals, and ask any questions you may have. We’ll assess whether hypnotherapy is a suitable option for you and ensure you feel comfortable working with me.

We’ll explore the best approach for your unique situation, agree on a tailored treatment plan, and I’ll offer my professional opinion on the likely number of sessions needed.

You’ll also get a Free MP3 Audio which will support the work we do in-between sessions. Please DO NOT listen to this MP3 or any other Hypnosis Audio including Customised Hypnosis Audios whilst driving or operating any kind of equipment.

For more information, contact me by phone or email for a FREE, no-obligation chat before booking.

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