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24 October 2023 | Story Carmine Nieman | Photo SUPPLIED
Carmine Nieman
Carmine Nieman, Industrial Psychology Lecturer at the University of the Free State

Opinion article by Carmine Nieman, Industrial Psychology Lecturer at the University of the Free State.


Burnout – a widely recognised concept – has gained attention since its inception in the 1970s. Research has shown that burnout occurs when individuals exhaust their coping resources due to work and personal life demands, resulting in decreased job performance and extreme fatigue. Further review revealed that burnout often results from overworking and striving for perfection, particularly in high-pressure environments with challenging professional relationships. Though not officially recognised in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the literature defines burnout as a combination of emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, and reduced personal accomplishments due to chronic work-related stress. This condition is identifiable through symptoms such as profound fatigue, loss of motivation, cynicism towards one's work, and a sense of inadequacy. Recognising burnout as a contemporary societal challenge is vital; however, in many countries, the official statistics on this topic are not even available. 

According to the literature, there are two coping strategies: positive coping, involving problem-solving and constructive appraisal, and negative coping, which leans towards managing emotions and adopting less effective coping mechanisms. Research has identified a positive correlation between negative coping and burnout, contributing to the experience of burnout among staff members who are struggling to cope personally or professionally. Stress and anxiety have inevitably also been a challenge at the University of the Free State (UFS) for years. Recent research reveals a strong link between stress and burnout, with job burnout identified as a risk factor for anxiety and stress. Thus, addressing job burnout is essential to reduce anxiety and stress symptoms among staff at the UFS, especially as we commemorate World Mental Health Awareness Month.

Mitigating the risk of burnout

Implementing early detection methods is essential to alleviate the adverse effects of burnout. Research underscores the significance of well-being in the workplace, covering emotional, psychological, physical, and behavioural aspects, to effectively manage and prevent burnout. Additionally, burnout has repercussions on personal life, leading to family issues, work-life conflict, and a diminished quality of life, underlining the importance of social support. Preventing and managing burnout entails both individual and organisational strategies. While organisations bear some responsibility, it is unrealistic to expect employees to relinquish personal responsibilities entirely. 

There are numerous research outcomes based on individual strategies. Individual strategies encompass role and boundary management, cognitive restructuring, time management, lifestyle balance, coping strategies, work pattern adjustments, social resource utilisation, and overall well-being and self-assessment. Cognitive restructuring effectively prevents burnout by transforming negative and irrational thought patterns into positive and constructive ones. Time management and planning are core skills for managing a demanding job. Lifestyle management – the balance between work and non-work roles – is increasingly relevant. Moreover, effectively coping with stress by managing thoughts and controlling the interpretation of stressful experiences helps prevent and manage burnout symptoms. Furthermore, changing work patterns is recommended, such as taking regular breaks and avoiding excessive overtime. Leveraging social resources, including support from supervisors, colleagues, family, and friends, is also vital to prevent burnout.

The organisation’s social responsibility role

Research-based strategies on the organisational level are less than on the individual level but offer valuable advice and recommendations. Organisations can contribute to burnout prevention by implementing and developing policies and initiatives. Organisations should focus on transitioning individuals from burnout to engagement by fostering energy, resilience, involvement in work tasks, and job success. Regular well-being assessments also provide insights into individual and organisational well-being and coping. Supportive organisational strategies to prevent burnout entail role clarification, goal setting, nurturing supportive management relationships, eliminating unnecessary stressors, and offering flexible work schedules. Other organisational strategies include supportive practices, job design, coaching, and wellness programmes such as those offered by the Division of Organisational Development and Employee Well-being.

Based on the cumulative insights, an effective approach to addressing and preventing burnout on both individual and organisational levels involves enhancing personal and workplace coping skills. This can be achieved by replacing negative thought patterns with constructive patterns using rational emotive behaviour therapy techniques. Additionally, implementing constructive thinking techniques towards a model that focuses on various aspects of work life can assist in managing and preventing burnout. Furthermore, implementing early detection strategies is pivotal in identifying potential issues before they escalate.

Ultimately, a combined treatment plan involving collaboration between the organisation, industrial psychologists, and individuals is recommended. Such an approach ensures effective burnout management, focusing on well-being and minimising the impact of burnout.

In conclusion, burnout is a significant concern with implications for individuals and organisations. Effective interventions and treatment plans are pivotal for safeguarding well-being. Future research should continue to explore and develop treatment plans to enhance the success and well-being of individuals and organisations.

News Archive

Internationally acclaimed academic applauded on Africa Day
2011-06-02

 
 Prof. Ali Mazrui, an internationally acclaimed and renowned academic.

One of the world’s top academics was given a warm welcome in the rather cold Free State recently.

Prof. Ali Mazrui, an internationally acclaimed and renowned academic, visited us as part of our Africa Day celebrations as arranged by the Centre for Africa Studies. He delivered a keynote address, entitled ‘Pro-democracy uprisings in an African experience: from Sharpeville to Benghazi.’

A festive atmosphere and the sound of drums welcomed this intellectual giant as well as other delegates upon their arrival at the CR Swart Auditorium on our Bloemfontein Campus. Some of the delegates who attended the Africa Day Celebrations, included: Mr Tom Amolo, High Commissioner from the Republic of Kenya; Mr Dan Kgothule, MEC of Arts and Culture in the province; Prof. Jeff and Dr Carla Ramsdell, visitors from America; Dr Allan Boesak and Prof. Nicky Morgan, Vice-Rector: Operations.

Prof. Frederick Fourie, former Vice-Chancellor and Rector of our university, also attended the celebrations, as did some scholars from neighboring schools.

Welcoming Prof. Mazrui, Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of our university, quipped that he was relieved the world had not ended the previous weekend as was predicted, because he was looking forward to listening to such a renowned intellectual.

Prof. Lucius Botes, Dean of Humanities, followed Prof. Jansen at the podium. He said the ability to go from following a bridging course to being one of the top 100 intellectuals in the world, indeed distinguishes Prof. Mazrui as an exceptional academic. This intellectual is, among others, an Albert Luthuli Professor at the University of Jos, Nigeria and Andrew D. Professor Emeritus and Senior Scholar in Africana Studies at Cornell University.

In his introduction, Prof. Mazrui said he feels honored and flattered by this opportunity. He proceeded by referring to the history of Africa Day and added that he would rather prefer an Africa Week to an Africa Day to ensure that everybody has the opportunity to celebrate the continent.

He sang the praises of South Africa, as almost every other African country which attained liberation from European colonial rule in the 20th century, has been unable to maintain its democratic order beyond its first decade of independence.

“The Republic of South Africa, on the other hand, liberated Nelson Mandela in 1990, held its first democratic election in 1994, and already has its third president. Nearly two decades after Apartheid, South Africa has not outlawed opposition parties, or experienced a military coup, or permitted the Head of State to govern the country as a dictator.”

In his speech he compared the uprisings in Sharpeville during 1960 and Soweto during 1976 with the more recent pro-democracy uprisings in North Africa, based on the role that weapons and the lack thereof, as well as the youth and women played in the respective cases.

He concluded by saying the uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt have already resulted in ousting dictators who had been entrenched in power for decades, adding that in Libya a third dictator’s future is on the line. “Never in the history of the Arabs have there been so many popular uprisings which seem to be inspired neither by Islam nor by anti-imperialism, but in the quest for liberal reforms. Half a century earlier in Sharpeville and Soweto, South Africans experienced their own political awakening.”

Prof. Kwandiwe Kondlo, Director of the Centre for Africa Studies, closed the event with a word of thanks to the American academic and his wife, guests and attendees. He said discussions prior to the event revealed that more research has to be done regarding gender issues on the continent.

Prof. Mazrui also participated in conversations at the institute and a media briefing which was hosted earlier the day.

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