Maybe you used to feel content with your job, but recently, you’ve been completely rundown at work. Perhaps you’ve had to take over tasks from employees who’ve left and have yet to be replaced, or the company has grown rapidly without an accompanying hiring spree.
Alternatively, you might have been comfortable working long hours to fulfill your professional ambitions in the past. But now, you might have other obligations outside of work that demand your time and energy. You’re not sure how to take a step back because so many people have come to depend on you going above and beyond.
Setting boundaries at work can feel tricky. Yet employees without boundaries can end up on a fast-track to burnout. Here’s how to take small steps toward setting boundaries so that you can enforce these principles with confidence.
Identify Your Most Critical Tasks
Take a step back and review your obligations and responsibilities at work. Identify the tasks that you can’t step away from. These are your priorities. Next, think about which tasks you might be able to delegate to someone else or automate with the right tools. Figuring out what you actually have to accomplish in a given day can help you let go of the feeling that you’re never doing “enough.”
Be Open With Your Supervisor
The idea of talking to your supervisor about burnout can be nerve-wracking. But if you’re drowning in responsibilities, it’s important to have this conversation. You may need their permission to adjust the scope of your work, or you might have to demonstrate that with your department’s workload, it’s time to consider hiring a new employee or utilizing contractors.
What if you’re self-employed? You’ll need to get clear about how much money you actually need to cover your business and personal expenses each month. You may need to raise your prices to complete this work in a reasonable timeframe. On the other hand, if you’re making more than enough, it might be time to turn down unnecessary projects.
Delegate Tasks When Possible
Delegating tasks to another employee is not always easy, but it can be an effective strategy for addressing burnout. If you’re an employee, discuss delegating tasks to coworkers, junior employees in your department, or interns, and find out if your supervisor approves. If you’re a business owner, you might benefit from hiring another full-time or part-time employee, or working with contractors as necessary.
Step Back From Unpaid Commitments
Maybe you’ve been volunteering your time to plan workplace parties, or maybe you try to never miss a networking opportunity outside of work, like a happy hour or an optional conference. While unpaid, work-related activities can help you build connections in your industry, you might need to say “no” to these commitments for the time being. Right now, prioritizing your mental health is more important.
Use Your Paid Time Off
Finally, don’t forget to use your vacation days. Many people allow their vacation days to go unused. But if you work for months or years on end without taking time off, burnout is almost inevitable. Furthermore, make sure that your vacation is an actual vacation, not just a chance to work remotely. When you’re away from your workplace, don’t give in to the temptation to check your email.
In the long run, time away from work can actually make you more productive. When you have downtime, you’ll come back feeling refreshed and inspired, ready with new, creative ideas.
Struggling with Burnout?
Are you struggling with burnout in the workplace? A therapist can help you find balance. Reach out to Integrative Psychotherapy Group to learn more about our counseling services.