How to manage end-of-year burnout?

As we approach the end of 2023 you might begin to recognise the dreaded ‘end-of-year burnout’ symptoms but you’re not alone. Mental Health First Aid England reports almost half of UK workers are ‘running on empty with burnout’ which costs the economy around £28 billion annually!

Burnout can occur at any time, however, this is a common issue for many people as they begin to feel the pressure to meet year-end goals, handle holiday cover stress, and wrap up various projects mixed in with the winter blues that affects around 2 million people in the UK.

There are many strategies that can help you to reduce and manage feeling burnout at work including self-care, time management, and communication which we will be sharing with you as we approach National Stress Awareness Day on the 1st of November.

Set Realistic Goals:

It’s easy for work to pile up and to begin to feel like your to-do list is a never-ending battle. However, this is the time for you to address the issue, review your goals, and if you feel overwhelmed discuss it with your Manager.

Before you go to your Manager assess exactly what you can achieve within the time you have, prioritize tasks you need to do, and focus on what’s most important. Once you have this laid out, this is the perfect time to approach your Manager and be honest if you feel you will need further support, before it begins to take a toll.

Time Management:

Create a schedule and allocate time for work, breaks, and self-care. Even if it’s getting up and getting a drink every hour or so, stepping away from your desk can help bring fresh eyes to the work you are struggling with.

If you can, get some fresh air! Although it may be cold and rainy fresh air is proven to benefit your mental and physical wellbeing. Click here to see a list of how it could help you.

Delegate and Collaborate:

If you are in a position to delegate tasks or collaborate with your colleagues this can help you to share the workload, reduce stress, increase efficiency, and show initiative when you are under pressure.

Self-Care practices:

Do what makes you happy!

In times of stress, it’s important you have time to switch off. Prioritising exercise, sleep, relaxation, and eating well are all common ways you can help yourself.

Set Boundaries and don’t over-commit:

We have all been there where we have taken on too much, whether it’s helping with additional work or committing ourselves to more than we can handle in our personal life. This can have a detrimental effect on your stress levels so learning to say no is important, especially as people feel the end-of-year rush.

Communicating your limits is not rude but necessary, and people will understand if you have priorities you need to solely focus on.

Celebrate Small Wins:

Celebrate your accomplishments along the way to make sure you feel motivated!

Seeking External Support:

If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to seek support from a supervisor, HR, or a mental health professional. At Huntress, our temps also have access to financial wellbeing to support you with financial planning, regardless of your earnings.

Monitor Your Health:

Regularly assess your mental health. If you notice signs of burnout, take them seriously and seek help. There are lots of charities, services, and even the NHS that have a variety of ways they can support you further.

It’s also worth remembering that end-of-year burnout is a common issue, and although you might be tempted to shrug it off it's crucial you take proactive steps to prevent it from building up. For more information on the wellbeing support we provide our temps please get in touch with our dedicated team of consultants.