Reduce Internal Workload to Avoid Entrepreneur Burnout

As your company grows, so do your responsibilities. Although watching your business grow might give you a sense of fulfillment, there is no denying that the increased demands may be overwhelming. This constant pressure can lead to significant stress and decreased productivity. It’s crucial to recognize and address these issues early on to prevent a serious condition known as burnout.

What is Burnout?

Burnout, as defined by the Mayo Clinic[1], involves physical and emotional exhaustion, a lack of achievement, and the erosion of personal identity. This condition frequently results in depression, posing significant challenges to individuals in various professional settings. A Gallup study reveals that burnout is prevalent, affecting three out of four individuals in the workplace. Notably, entrepreneurs in the USA face a notably higher incidence rate, standing at 45% higher than their counterparts in other countries.

The dangers of burnout were vividly illustrated by Arianna Huffington, esteemed American writer, columnist, and co-founder of The Huffington Post. In 2007, she suffered a collapse due to burnout, hitting her head on her desk and breaking her cheekbone. “It was based on this collective delusion that in order to succeed, in order to perform at our best, we have to be always on,” she said. “And the science makes it very clear that the human operating system is very different than machines.”[3]

A packed internal workload is the direct cause that leads us to burnout. As startups grow and demands increase, the challenge of maintaining productivity while reducing internal workload becomes more challenging. With all these obstacles, it is crucial to make a change, and things must be done now!

What are some symptoms of Burnout?

However, before taking any action, it is important to understand the symptoms of burnout. It is very common for those experiencing burnout to feel irritability, anger, and sleeplessness. On the other hand, many experience fatigue, sadness, and a prevalent feeling of being drained.

Still, burnout does not only affect you emotionally, but it can present itself through physical symptoms as well. In some people it may cause headaches and in some cases even migraines. Similarly, it is common for many to experience stomach or bowel problems as a result of the stress.

These symptoms, while noteworthy, are not solely indicative of burnout and may not necessarily indicate its presence. However, they very well may be warning signs. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you might be entering a spiral that will lead you to burnout.

Consequences of Burnout

Although at first, it is manageable, when these feelings begin to escalate, it is more difficult to control them. As the symptoms worsen, it becomes more difficult to cope, and you are more likely to feel drained all the time. On that same line, the probability of getting sick increases. You are at a higher risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, or type 2 diabetes.

Causes and risk factors of burnout

Burnout can be manifested in several ways, but who is at risk? The reality of it is that many of us are. There is not one singular cause of burnout. It may stem from a perceived lack of control, lack of support, or conflict with your team. Some people tend to be more prone to burnout due to their personalities.

Others experience burnout due to high amounts of workloads and long working hours.

This may prove challenging when balancing your work life and your personal life, requiring careful time management. Yet, sometimes this is more challenging than the burnout itself, as tasks and stress levels continue to elevate.

How can you control Burnout?

To mitigate burnout risk, it is essential to focus on several key points. First, closely monitor symptoms that may precede burnout, such as fatigue or a loss of motivation. It is important to try some relaxation techniques, such as exercising or even practicing mindfulness.

Second, review and reassess your internal workload by carefully documenting your daily tasks and how you allocate your time. Third, consider allocating no more than six hours each day to non-negotiable tasks. Also, allow for two to four hours of flexibility to address unforeseen events or new projects.

Likewise, when experiencing burnout, it is worth considering reaching out to others for support. Sometimes, all you might need is to delegate tasks to colleagues or trusted individuals to lighten your workload. This can significantly reduce stress and prevent burnout from worsening. Sharing responsibilities not only helps manage your time better but also fosters a collaborative work environment. By relying on a support network, you can maintain productivity while preserving your well-being.

The importance of delegating

Delegating tasks to trusted individuals is key to reducing burnout and overall stress. However, sometimes there aren’t enough employees or resources to handle the workload. Luckily, outsourcing companies can solve this issue by providing remote staffing at lower costs than in-person employees. By implementing these strategies, you can proactively address burnout risk and maintain a healthier work-life balance.

If you’re uncertain about delegation, it’s time to explore an outsourcing provider for virtual assistance. So, we return to the starting point: to reduce the risk of burnout and ensure long-term success, one must delegate and cultivate teams that harness the potential of each individual within the organization.

In the following articles, we’ll delve into practical strategies for achieving this, exploring how to create supportive ecosystems and empower your team members. Join us as we navigate the path to resilience and growth within your organization. Explore our articles to embark on this journey of sustainable success and well-being.