Bite Size #122: Dr Tom Buckley - The Burnout Dilemma and Unraveling the Global Phenomenon
Jun 16, 2024
auto_awesome
Burnout expert Dr Tom Buckley discusses the clinical definition of burnout, its global prevalence, and the depletion of mental and physical energy. The conversation delves into the differences between burnout and fatigue, as well as the increasing rates of burnout worldwide. Dr Tom also explores the impact of burnout on various demographics and the importance of addressing it within organizations.
Burnout is defined as physical, emotional energy depletion leading to chronic exhaustion, mental distancing from one's job, and reduced personal accomplishment.
The concept of 'surge capacity' has been depleted due to prolonged periods without recharge, lack of sufficient sleep and non-thinking time contribute to suboptimal physiology and emotions.
Deep dives
Understanding Burnout and its Evolving Definition
Burnout is defined as physical, emotional energy depletion leading to chronic exhaustion, mental distancing from one's job, and reduced personal accomplishment. In 2019, the World Health Organization classified burnout as an occupational phenomenon resulting from chronic workplace stress. The definition encompasses energy depletion, mental distancing, and reduced accomplishment. The term 'burnout' has evolved to encompass various contexts beyond work, such as relationships or overtraining.
Factors Contributing to Fatigue and Misconceptions about Burnout
The speaker challenges the overuse of 'burnout,' suggesting that many people might simply be fatigued due to ongoing stressors like natural disasters, political changes, and personal challenges. He reflects on the lack of respite in recent years, with global events adding to people's tiredness. He contrasts historical perspectives on hardship and resilience with the experiences of younger generations.
Surge Capacity and the Impact of Continuous Stress
The concept of 'surge capacity,' which provides short-term energy boosts in times of stress, has been depleted due to prolonged periods without recharge. Lack of sufficient sleep and non-thinking time contribute to suboptimal physiology and emotions. Psychological detachment is crucial for combating burnout and maintaining mental well-being.
In this Bite Size from episode #58 burnout expert Dr Tom Buckley gives us his clinical definition of burnout and how it differs from just being tired or needing a bit of a break. Dr Tom also explains why it is considered a syndrome and not a disease.
Andrew and Dr Tom also talk a bit about why we are seeing increasing rates of burnout not just in Australia, but all over the world and why it can be linked to a depletion of energy, both mental and physical.
If you enjoy the podcast, we would really appreciate you leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Play. It takes less than 60 seconds and really helps us build our audience and continue to provide high quality guests.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode