Top 5 Signs of Burn-Out within the Workplace and How to Cope

In todays economic climate, going above and beyond at work by taking on extra roles or working longer hours can often mean the difference between an employee retaining his or her job and being laid off.

After surveying more than 200 job seekers throughout the GTA, TorontoJobs.ca found that over 26% of respondents have been forced to work extended hours and have been experiencing increased responsibility without seeing an increase in pay.

Being overstressed for a prolonged period of time is detrimental to employees and can lead to what is known as Burnout. TorontoJobs.ca has come up with our top five signs you are experiencing Burnout and how to cope...

Our Top 5 Signs Include:

- Becoming Irritable - "You get angry at your bladder for interrupting you at work"

- Lack of Motivation - "Its Monday and you cant wait until Friday"

- A Feeling of Overload - "You consider a 40 hour work week a vacation"

- Work encompasses your whole life - "Your dinner partner is your Blackberry"

- Exhaustion "Shower-time and nap-time have become synonymous"

So How Do You Avoid Job Burnout?

Take Regular Breaks throughout the Day - A lunch break is the biggest source of stress relief throughout the work day. Try taking a break and getting out of the office it will most definitely make a significant difference in every day life.

Eat a Healthy Lunch - According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, eating a healthy lunch can help boost our immune system, increase our energy and improve our ability to function during hectic work days.

Stay Organized - Office filled with clutter? It may be time to start thinking about organizing your work space. Take some time each week to get organized. Keeping organized may lead to a more efficient work day.

Avoid Negativity - Try to avoid gossiping and negative thinking within the work place. Focus on the positive things that surround your working environment.

Set the Blackberry Down - If you are one of those people that have their Blackberry glued to their hands, you must realize that when work hours are over, personal time is a MUST. Turn those phones off and focus on things that are enjoyable in your free time.

Overall, while going above and beyond at work can be beneficial to employees in hard economic times, it also puts them at risk for experiencing Burnout. To avoid Burnout and the detriments that accompany it, employees should take proactive steps to reduce and relieve the added stress that comes along with increased workloads and hours.