Burnout: don't suffer in silence

Burnout has become a growing concern in today's fast-paced work environment. Luxembourg, with its high productivity and demanding job market, is no exception.

What is burnout?

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged or excessive stress. It's characterised by feelings of cynicism, reduced professional efficacy, and a sense of emotional detachment from one's work.

Recognising the signs of burnout

Early recognition is crucial in addressing burnout. Watch out for the following symptoms:

• Emotional exhaustion: Feeling constantly drained and depleted of energy.
• Cynicism and detachment: Feeling pessimistic and cynical towards your work.
• Reduced professional efficacy: Doubting your abilities and feeling a lack of accomplishment.
• Physical symptoms: Headaches, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating

To illustrate the impact of burnout, a worker who wished to remain anonymous shared their experience.

For me, it started with a lack of general motivation, and then I became very annoyed by the atmosphere at the office. I became increasingly nervous and anxious, with the urge to cry. It started with management's decisions and lack of communication with employees. They started to ask to do more work with much less workforce due to regular layoffs. This raised the anxious climate.

It also impacted the general atmosphere at home a lot. My relatives were afraid to make comments to me because of the fear that I would “explode” because I reacted in a very aggressive and impulsive manner. It provoked conflicts. I started to feel more nervous. The situation was getting worse and worse. One day, I was teleworking, and after being connected for 1 hour, I was already very angry and started to cry. My partner forced me to log off and go to the doctor. After being on sick leave for 8 days, the mere idea of thinking about returning to the office made me anxious and stressed. There was also a terrible feeling of guilt, having "abandoned" my colleagues, who now had to manage the situation alone.

Legal considerations in Luxembourg

While burnout is not currently recognised as a distinct occupational illness in Luxembourg, several legal protections exist for employees experiencing work-related stress:

• Work-life balance: Luxembourg law mandates a 40-hour workweek with overtime regulations. How to maintain work-life balance in Luxembourg?
• Right to disconnect: Employees have the right to disconnect outside of working hours and refuse work-related communication. Read the full article here.
• Sick leave: Paid sick leave allows you time to rest and recover from mental and physical exhaustion.
• Employee protection: The Labour Code protects employees from harassment, excessive workloads, and unsafe work environments. Read more information here: Mobbing. How can ALEBA help? 

Combating burnout

If you suspect burnout, here are some steps you can take:

• Seek support: Talk to your doctor, a therapist, or a trusted colleague. Contact the ALEBA delegate at your company or call us at +352 223 228-1; we offer resources and guidance.
• Set boundaries: Learn to say no and establish clear boundaries between work and personal life.
• Prioritise self-care: Engage in activities you enjoy, get enough sleep, and eat a healthy diet.
• Manage stress: Learn relaxation techniques like meditation or mindfulness exercises.
• Communicate with your employer: Discuss your workload and explore potential adjustments.

An employee who recently overcame burnout described what helped her with burnout:

I learned to take time for myself as soon as the situation became critical without waiting to collapse and make my loved ones suffer. I learned to be more self-oriented and listen to my body. I found out how to distance myself from my work and what I was doing, which detached me from the situation. I also asked for support from my family and professionals.

Remember, coming back from burnout is much longer than the way in. It is a real problem, but it's not insurmountable. Recognising the signs, understanding your legal rights, and taking proactive steps can reclaim your well-being and create a healthier work-life balance. Taking proactive steps can protect your mental health and ensure a fulfilling and sustainable career in Luxembourg.

If you think you may suffer from burnout, or if you know someone who does, you can contact us at info@aleba.lu or by phone at +352 223 228-1 for resources, guidance and legal support.