Job Hunting? Spot Burnout Culture Workplaces

(Part 1 of a 2-Part series)

Introduction

Are you considering a new job, but worried it may be too close to the burnout culture you’re trying to escape? If so, you’re not alone. Burnout culture is a major problem in the workplace. It is often characterized by an atmosphere of exhaustion, lack of motivation, and frustration. It can leave employees feeling overwhelmed, unable to meet deadlines, and unable to take time for themselves. It’s important to recognize the potential signs of burnout culture in any new job before deciding to accept or decline.

In this blog post, we’ll look at five warning signs that may suggest a job is too close to the burnout culture you’re trying to avoid. In part two, we’ll provide some strategies you can use to make sure that your new job is the right fit for you

#1 There is High Employee Turnover

High employee turnover is a sign of potential burnout culture. When employees feel overwhelmed and exhausted by the job, they may choose to quit and find a new job that is better suited to their needs. If a company has a high rate of employee turnover, it can be a sign that there are issues within the organization.

It’s important to do your research and ask questions about employee turnover before accepting the job. Reach out to your network through LinkedIn to gain insights from existing employees if you have no direct contacts within the organisation.

Although a high rate of employee turnover does not necessarily equate to burnout culture, it does indicate an unhealthy work environment, so this is something to look out for.

#2 Unreasonable Time Demands

When considering a new job, it’s important to look out for signs that you’ll be expected to work excessively long hours with little or no flexibility. If your potential employer has a strict policy regarding overtime, vacations, or work/life balance, it may be a warning sign that they are creating a burnout culture.

The same applies to unreasonable expectations of productivity. Employees may be pushed to complete tasks faster than their capabilities and current capacity allow; this is a good indication of an environment that engenders burnout culture.

If the environment seems stressful, or you notice that people are frequently working long hours with little recognition or reward, then consider if it will be worth the effort. You could be moving to a similar situation with more stress and less free time.

#3 Unclear or Unrealistic Expectations

It’s important to have a clear understanding of your job from the start. This means being clear about your responsibilities, your workload, and your deadlines. When expectations are ambiguous it can lead to employees feeling overwhelmed or undervalued. In some cases, it can lead to employees taking on multiple roles, and quickly escalate into a feeling of burnout.

During the interview or selection stage, it is crucial to establish clearly what your potential employer’s expectations will be of you in your new role. This can help avoid burnout and create a more supportive environment.

#4 Overworking is Regarded Favourably

Another key tell-tale sign of a potential work burnout culture is if employees feel like they need to overwork to be successful. If working long hours is seen as a positive thing, then that’s a sign that the company is valuing quantity over quality. This can lead to a lot of employees feeling like they’re not good enough and that they need to work even harder to be successful.

If you’re considering taking that job offer, be sure to look out for this sign. It’s important to find a company that values work/life balance and doesn’t encourage a culture of overworking.

#5 The Company Doesn’t Invest In Its Employees

One of the top signs that a company may have burnout culture is that it does not invest in its employees. This can be seen in several ways, such as a lack of training or development opportunities, a lack of workplace support, or a lack of appreciation for employees’ work.

Investing in employees is crucial for ensuring that they are happy and productive in their jobs. When employees feel valued and supported, they are more likely to be engaged in their work and less likely to experience burnout. If your potential employer is not investing in its employees, then that is a definite red flag.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you’ve already decided to leave your current job, especially because of burnout, be on the lookout for these five signs that your potential employer may have a burnout culture. If you spot them, it is best to avoid these jobs.

To learn more about how to break your burnout cycle, check out “Break Your Burnout Cycle” for a more detailed guide.

Kai-Nneka Townsend, is an author, and a Career Burnout Recovery and Prevention Coach for women.