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WORDS: KAI SIMMONDS
Although Dubai has become a city where skyscrapers touch the sky and ambition knows no bounds, burnout has become an alarming concern. While the city is known for its opulence and rapid development, it’s also a place where the pursuit of success often comes at a price; burnout. Burnout is no longer merely a buzzword; it’s a real and pervasive issue that affects individuals, businesses and the entire community.
Defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a syndrome resulting in chronic workplace stress, burnout is characterised by feelings of exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy. It doesn’t discriminate and can affect anyone from working class to wealthy executives burnout is affecting everyone.
Dubai’s relentless pace of life, characterised by long working hours, intense competition and high expectations, has created a fertile ground for the burnout epidemic to flourish. According to a study by the International Stress Management Association (ISMA), Dubai consistently ranks high in stress levels among its residents. Factors such as job-related stress, financial pressure, and the constant need to keep up with the city’s extravagant lifestyle contribute to the escalating burnout crisis.
Burnout is Taking its toll
Burnout takes a high toll on individuals and society as a whole. On a personal level, it can lead to a host of physical and mental health problems, including chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression, and even cardiovascular issues. In Dubai, where the work culture often emphasises productivity and career progression at any cost, these symptoms are alarmingly common. The motto “Work hard, play hard,” rings true in Dubai and the cost of not letting yourself rest or take care of your mental health and wellbeing leads to several long term health issues both physically and mentally.
Burnout also affects relationships, as those experiencing burnout often find it difficult to engage fully with their loved ones. Furthermore, the blurred lines between work and personal life in Dubai make it challenging for individuals to disconnect and recharge. Many residents find themselves perpetually on call, leading to chronic stress and eventual burnout. Ignoring these warning signs can negatively impact one’s quality of life. Due to burnout, several of my clients share how difficult it is to find time to connect with others and often end up feeling lonely and disconnected which in a place full of expats is even more difficult as most of them are already away from their families in their home country.
Burnout isn’t just a personal issue, it has far-reaching economic consequences. In a global business hub, where innovation is key, burnt-out employees are less productive and creative. High levels of burnout can lead to absenteeism, high staff turnover, and increased healthcare costs for employers. Consequently, it affects a company’s bottom line and the overall economic health of the city. Burnout can also lead to talent drain, as individuals seek less stressful and more fulfilling environments. One of the exercises I do with my clients is called their “Burnout Bill.” This is a power exercise to help them reflect and write down all the time and money they have lost due to Burnout, and the numbers are startling as some Burnout Bills run into the tens of thousands in USD. The worst part is that unless you make a change in your lifestyle your Burnout Bill will only get bigger and more expensive.
Addressing burnout is not just a matter of personal well-being: it is essential for the overall health of our society and economy. There are actually 12 stages of Burnout, as defined by Herbert Freudenberger, a German- American Psychologist who first coined the term “Burnout” in 1974.
How to take action
Instead of waiting until you hit that 12th stage, take action now to prevent it from getting worse and to break the burnout cycle.
Here are a few compelling reasons why we must take action now:
- Health and well-being: burnout takes a toll on our physical and mental health. Ignoring it can lead to more severe health issues down the line. By taking action to prevent and mitigate burnout, we can improve our overall well- being. The longer you wait, the worse it gets, thinking burnout will go away on it’s own is a myth!
- Productivity: burnout hampers productivity and creativity. When people are burned out, they are less effective at work and less likely to contribute their best ideas. Addressing burnout can lead to a more engaged and productive workforce.
- Economic Impact: burnout costs businesses billions of dollars each year. By addressing the issue, organisations can reduce turnover, absenteeism, and health care expenses, ultimately improving bottom line. Several top tech companies such as Microsoft, Nike, Google, Accenture, Salesforce all have prioritized their employee’s wellbeing and this allows them to attract high quality talent, retain staff with a positive company culture and dominate in their industry.
- Personal fulfillment: burnout robs individuals of the joys and fulfillment they should derive from their work and personal lives. Taking action to prevent and manage burnout can help people lead more fulfilling lives and pursue their passions. Burnout steals time, time away from loved ones, time away from joy and time away from the things that make you happy which are important to a fulfilling and healthy life.
So, what can we do to combat burnout? Firstly, set boundaries. Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Disconnect from work emails and tasks during your off-hours. Stop working “hard,” work “smart” instead and rest “hard.” Our mind and bodies are more productive when we give ourselves time off to fully recharge.
Prioritise self-care and engage in activities that relax and rejuvenate you, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies. Self Care is different for everyone, so give yourself some time to explore and experiment with different exercises and activities that you enjoy, Yoga is great, but it’s not for everyone.
Seek support and don’t be afraid to seek support from friends, family or a therapist if you are experiencing burnout. Oftentimes my clients come to me because they don’t feel comfortable talking about their mental health struggles with their families and friends. Slowly, things are changing towards being more open about your mental health but don’t be afraid to get external help if needed. Talking about your feelings can be incredibly therapeutic.
Importantly, employers can play a significant role in addressing burnout by promoting a healthy work environment, offering flexible work arrangements and providing resources for mental health support. It’s also important to raise awareness about burnout and its consequences. Education can help individuals and organisations recognise the signs and take proactive measures. One of the biggest issues I see is that they don’t have the correct knowledge on what stress is and how to manage it. There are several tools and exercises that you can do on your own to help manage your stress to prevent burnout. Investing in a Mental Health Expert or Professional can provide you with the knowledge, tools and exercises to help you manage your stress better and prevent burnout.
Ultimately, burnout is a genuine and growing problem in Dubai and it’s high time we take action. It’s essential that we take action now to address the issues, for the sake of our health, productivity, and overall well-being. By raising awareness, implementing workplace initiatives, involving the government and fostering a supportive community, Dubai can work towards a healthier, happier, and more productive future for its residents. As a leader in the Middle East in several industries, Dubai’s progressive mindset is what sets it apart from other places and the perfect example as a leader in Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Middle East. Burnout is real, but with collective effort and determination, it can be combated effectively, ensuring that Dubai remains a city of dreams without the nightmare of burnout looming over its residents.
