Workplace Burnout: Identifying the Signs and Taking Action with CMHA Calgary

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Burnout has become an increasingly common challenge in today’s fast-paced work environment. One day, you’re tackling your tasks with energy and the next, you’re struggling to keep up, feeling exhausted, stressed, and wondering where your drive went. Between mounting responsibilities, long hours, and constant demands, it’s easy to overlook the signs of burnout until it fully takes hold. But burnout isn’t just about feeling tired — it’s a deep, persistent exhaustion that impacts your body, mind, and mood, often with lasting effects on productivity and job satisfaction. At Canadian Mental Health Assocation – Calgary Region (CMHA Calgary), we’re here to help individuals and workplaces recognize these signs early and provide practical tools for resilience.

Understanding Burnout

Burnout isn’t just about feeling tired, it’s a persistent, deep exhaustion that impacts your body, mind, and mood, often with lasting effects on productivity and job satisfaction. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines burnout as a syndrome stemming from “chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.” But burnout can happen whenever expectations and demands exceed your resources, whether at work, home, or beyond.

Recognizing Burnout: Key Indicators

Burnout impacts individuals through three primary dimensions:

Exhaustion: This includes deep physical, mental, and emotional fatigue, making it hard to work effectively or find satisfaction in daily tasks.

Cynicism: Burnout often causes detachment from work and responsibilities, leading to a negative or indifferent outlook.

Inefficacy: Burned-out individuals may feel incompetent or unproductive, losing motivation and connection to their work.

Burnout builds up gradually, often due to an imbalance between the demands of our work and the resources we have to manage them. Research from McKinsey describes burnout as an “occupational phenomenon,” which intensifies without the right tools and support. Workplace stressors — like heavy workloads, insufficient support, and a lack of mental health resources — can create the perfect conditions for burnout.

In Canada, the prevalence of burnout is especially concerning. A survey found that one in three working Canadians felt burned out, yet only 35% reported access to preventive programs, and just 40% felt adequately supported in managing workplace stress. These statistics underscore a significant gap in workplace resources, leaving many workers to navigate chronic stress on their own.

CMHA Calgary’s Adult and Workplace Education programs are designed to support those experiencing these indicators by teaching mental health awareness, stress management, and healthy coping strategies, making burnout prevention accessible.

Building a Burnout-Resilient Workplace

Creating healthier workplaces is essential in supporting employee well-being. Employers can play a vital role by providing mental health resources, establishing clear job expectations, and fostering supportive work cultures. By prioritizing well-being, organizations can prevent burnout and help cultivate a more engaged, resilient workforce.

At CMHA Calgary, we understand the critical need for resources to address burnout and support mental health in the workplace. Our Adult and Workplace Education programs offer a variety of virtual or in-person sessions designed for community groups, workplaces, and organizations. These programs cover essential topics like mental health awareness, stress management and healthy coping, suicide prevention, and more. By integrating these educational sessions, workplaces can create environments that prioritize mental health, empowering individuals and teams to thrive.

Recognizing burnout and actively building a supportive, open environment are first steps toward making work sustainable for everyone. With the right resources and education, we can foster healthier, more resilient workplaces that uplift all employees