EP#121: Running on empty? Burnout in the public sector with Dr Antonio Di Dio

Today, Dr Antonio Di Dio from the Professional Services Review talks about how to identify burnout and support yourself and your team members when they struggle with mental health challenges.

The end of the year is inching closer, but for many working in the public sector, the next time-hungry project is just around the corner, increasing pressure on their mental health and wellbeing. In 2023, 1 in 3 respondents to the APS Census reported feeling burnt out by their work – so, how can organisations and individuals stem the tide?

On this episode of Work with Purpose, host David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup speaks with Dr Antonio Di Dio, long-term GP and director of the Professional Services Review, about the state of burnout in the sector, and why caring for your work can be both a blessing and a curse. Antonio highlights the need for education about what causes burnout and offers some practical strategies to help support yourself and those around you, from setting boundaries to self-care and regular breaks.

Key tips

1.     Support people in getting the right diagnosis so they can get treatment.

2.   Whilst you can’t always do much about the workflow, ensure you have clear expectations and give recognition to your staff for their work.

3.    Watch out for: perfectionism, pessimism, overachieving and strong need for control – people with these qualities are at the highest risk of burnout.

Show notes

• The 2023 APS Employee Census Overall results | Australian Public Service Commission
• Public Sector Neurodiversity Community of Practice | Australian Public Service Commission
• Professional Services Review
• Burnout diagnosis one step closer with new clinical checklist and predictor of which personalities are most at risk | Black Dog Institute

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