- 19
- Mar
- 2025
Between work overload, constant pressure and lack of recognition, more and more employees are juggling multiple jobs and finding themselves drained. Overwork, fatigue and even severe exhaustion are becoming increasingly common, though they do not necessarily indicate burnout. But what exactly is burnout?
What Is Burnout?
Burnout, or professional exhaustion, is an increasingly recognized phenomenon in the workplace. This condition, often silent and gradual, affects many employees worldwide, regardless of their level of responsibility.
"One Friday afternoon, I turned off my computer, started suffocating, had trouble breathing, was trembling and suddenly, I collapsed." These are the words of Stephan, 39, describing what he experienced while working as a sales manager in a shopping center. After endangering his health, Stephan realized the importance of taking care of himself and doing things that truly matter to him.
Before his burnout, he considered himself a dedicated employee who never watched the clock. "I was a committed worker. I would come home late at night, grab a quick bite and go straight to bed. In the morning, I’d wake up and do it all over again. It was the same routine every day."
Stephan barely spent any time at home or doing what he loved. "My life revolved entirely around work. Even on weekends, I couldn't stop thinking about how to improve my performance," he admits.
The Triggers
Companies often contribute to employee burnout by assigning them roles that lack meaning or do not align with their values. This detachment creates a void and diminishes motivation, intensifying stress. The absence of support, training or necessary resources further amplifies feelings of isolation and helplessness.
Additionally, lack of recognition and difficult working conditions, such as noisy or unhealthy environments, increase the pressure. Employees frequently face tasks they cannot complete effectively due to insufficient tools and support.
The former employee mentions several factors that led to his exhaustion: "I felt significantly underpaid for my responsibilities — both within the company and in the industry. There was also the work overload, with an overwhelming number of tasks to complete in a very limited time. The projects were interesting until I was assigned some that suddenly no longer aligned with my interests."
For her part, life coach Samar Sahyoun confirms this perspective, stating that burnout "occurs when a person tries to give more than they can, even if they are passionate about their work." She adds that "overwork and excessive deadlines can indeed lead to burnout."
The Effects of Burnout
Stephan recalls the day everything fell apart: "I remember that day very well — it was a Friday. We were in a meeting with the company’s CEO, discussing multiple projects in record time. Sitting at my desk after more than four hours of meetings, I struggled to breathe. Then suddenly, I burst into tears and collapsed like a child."
Burnout manifests as constant anxiety and stress, creating a sense of being perpetually under pressure and never able to complete tasks. This can lead to depression, marked by low mood, loss of motivation and a pessimistic outlook on life.
Affected individuals may also experience excessive irritability and frustration over everyday situations or work demands. A strong sense of helplessness can develop, making it feel impossible to handle challenges and responsibilities. Sahyoun highlights that over time, "burnout can lead to severe depression, anxiety attacks or panic attacks," which, in turn, "can cause serious mental and physical health issues such as cramps, headaches, joint pain, stress, sleep disorders and even psychosomatic illnesses."
Realizing his problem, Stephan decided to take action. "I took a break and stopped working at the company for a while. After several weeks of rest, I returned to work, but things didn’t go as I had hoped. I met with my manager, and after a long discussion, she said, ‘Well, now that you’re back, can I count on you? Because the last two weeks have been tough without you.’"
Burnout remains a taboo subject, often difficult to address, whether with oneself or an employer. Fear of judgment and prejudice within the company — where one risks being seen as weak or less competent — makes the conversation even more challenging. Moreover, the pressure to keep performing despite exhaustion can lead to feelings of shame or guilt.
Asking for help becomes a real challenge, as there is always the fear that admitting to burnout might result in professional consequences, such as losing one’s job or career opportunities. Stephan continues, "After a month on sick leave, I reflected deeply on what I wanted in life. It became clear that I no longer wanted to return to that company."
"I had a heavy heart for my colleagues, whom I adored, but I just couldn’t take it anymore. That’s when I decided to become a freelance photographer, a passion that has always driven me," he concludes.
How to Prevent Burnout
Sahyoun emphasizes that it is "essential to organize your workload properly, plan your days and understand that just as work is a priority, so is physical and mental health. One must make time for themselves, engage in sports, artistic activities or meditation to break free from overwork and daily routine and thus prevent burnout."
Ultimately, employee well-being and their sense of belonging within a company depend on a collective effort between employers and employees to create healthier working conditions and preserve everyone’s well-being.
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