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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.
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.
Early recognition is crucial in addressing burnout. Watch out for the following symptoms:
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.
While burnout is not currently recognised as a distinct occupational illness in Luxembourg, several legal protections exist for employees experiencing work-related stress:
If you suspect burnout, here are some steps you can take:
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.
Our offices are exceptionally closed on Friday 6 Septembre from 12pm on. We invite you to call us back on Monday 9 September at 10am or to contact us by email via info@aleba.lu. Thank you!