Harassment Is a Factor in Workplace Burnout

If your case of the Mondays extends through the work week, you’re not alone. Mayo Clinic estimates that approximately two-thirds of workers have felt some degree of burnout. Burnout can lead to work-related cynicism, irritability with coworkers and customers, and even using drugs and alcohol to manage with your negative feelings towards your job.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released the 11th edition of the International Classification Diseases, which is a handbook used by professionals in many industries across the world. In the new handbook, the WHO lists workplace burnout as an official condition. Past editions of the handbook previously mentioned workplace burnout but is now an official condition as a problem associated with employment or unemployment.

Officially, the WHO by feelings of fatigue, a lack of work-related production, and feelings of negativity towards your work.

Harassment Can Cause Workplace Burnout

There are many causes of workplace burnout including an excessive workload, unreasonable deadlines, and poor management. Yet, one of the biggest causes of workplace burnout is unfair treatment from your coworkers or managers. Unfair treatment can include favoritism and bias.

These practices can create a hostile work environment through insults, intimidation, threats and more. One way to remedy this is to speak to a superior that you feel comfortable with. Otherwise, your human resources department can be a great resource for attempting to resolve these workplace issues.

In failure of that, the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC) handles workplace problems such as harassment. The EEOC will hear your complaint, investigate and work with you and your employer to a fair resolution. If your employer won’t remedy your harassment claim, know that the EEOC has a low tolerance for harassment due to race, age, color, sex, and more.

Never Compromise on a Safe Workplace

You work hard and take pride in what you do. A safe workplace is a reasonable expectation for every worker. Unsafe workplaces can lead to burnout and the feelings associated with the condition, including stress related work injuries, but you don’t have to stand for it. There are steps you can take towards improving your work environment and you don’t have to do it alone.