In the world of project management, tight deadlines and competing priorities make experiencing burnout inevitable. Burnout is basically severe exhaustion usually work-related. I’ve been there for sure, where work becomes all-consuming and the walls feel like they’re closing in. This can cause so many stress-related health issues if unaddressed. Burnout is sneaky though; you may think life is just happening and there’s really nothing to be done about it. However, that’s not true.

Identifying and addressing the underlying issue is the cure to feeling happier and less stressed at work. Below are 5 signs of workplace burnout and how to overcome them. 

1. Decreased productivity and difficulty completing simple tasks. 

Have you ever been in a situation where you have so much to get done that you end up doing nothing? Sounds backwards right? Because it is… this is a sign of workplace burnout. Assuming laziness is not a factor, the stress around having many tasks to complete and no sense of how long it will be before you have a moment to relax and just be,  will cause you to rebel and not do anything at all. Or, with very low effort. 

2. Irregular sleeping patterns or insomnia.

Has work ever kept you up at night? Whew! - if you’re a woman in project management, you may have experienced this. Thinking about a project all night preventing you from having a sound sleep is a sign of workplace burnout. Not only the inability to sleep but having an irregular sleep schedule, waking up during the night with racing thoughts about work is a huge sign that you are experiencing burnout. 

3. Anxiety around deadlines. 

As project managers, we understand the importance and expectations of meeting deadlines and how difficult it can be when depending on others to pull through on their contributions. As gatekeepers of project timelines, we are responsible for motivating and communicating with the project team at an extremely high level. However, sometimes outside factors sneak in and cause impacts on the schedule. And as project managers, we’re used to it, but it doesn’t feel good and causes anxiety. 

4. Mental fatigue. 

Do you just feel tired all of the time? And especially when it’s time to go to work? Like all excitement and motivation is gone and the job you couldn’t wait to start suddenly feels like a burden? If yes, Sis… you are experiencing workplace burnout and it’s time to do something about it. Mental fatigue is one the most depressing things to encounter - it’s just as bad if not worst than physical fatigue. 

5. Feeling defeated or incompetent. 

This goes back to number 1. With decreased productivity and difficulty completing simple tasks, you may end up feeling defeated and incompetent at your job. Although you know it’s not true, being overwhelmed at work can cause you to feel that way. This is definitely a sign of workplace burnout.

Overcoming workplace burnout.

You can absolutely overcome these challenges by implementing an action plan when you start to feel overwhelmed. Read our latest article on Achieving Balance: 5 Ways to Prioritize Health When Managing Complex Projects. Burnout and stress can cause health-related issues; it’s extremely important to recognize these signs early on and have a plan to protect your well-being.

By, Airess Rembert, PMP, Member of Women Of Project Management & Blogger at The Nerd Bae

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