Singapore’s burnout work culture

Do you constantly feel exhausted, anxious and irritable? Do you intensely dread the start of another work week and your never-ending to-do list? Like the overwhelming majority of employees in Singapore, you may be experiencing the classic symptoms of burnout. It was found in Mercer's 2022 Global Talent Trends Study that 85% of employees in Singapore feel at risk of burnout.

According to another study conducted this year by The Instant Group, Singapore is the most overworked country in the Asia Pacific region. Employees in Singapore not only work the longest average hours per week (45 hours), but have one of the lowest average annual leave (7 days) in the region.

With Singapore’s collective culture of overtime coupled with little time off, it’s no wonder that there is a high tendency of burnout amongst employees. This overwork situation is further exacerbated by the rise of remote work during the Covid-19 pandemic, where employees are expected to be contactable round the clock.

Burnout is a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress not successfully managed. An occupational phenomenon characterised by exhaustion and feelings of negativity towards one’s job, burnout can lead to employees withdrawing both in the workplace and in their personal lives. Their efficacy and productivity at work can also be significantly lowered.

Some telltale signs that you may be suffering from burnout include chronic fatigue, insomnia, loss of appetite, low energy levels, heart palpitations and breathlessness. If you notice some of these signs of burnout in your life, it’s time to hit the pause button and re-evaluate your situation.

Ways to prevent burnout while staying productive

As burnout can be caused by a myriad of stressors, adopting a multi-pronged approach is most effective in tackling it. Here are various ways to prevent burnout while staying productive.

First and foremost, take frequent breaks. The more you feel like you cannot step away from your work—even for a short while—the greater your need for some time off. As ironic as it sounds, stepping away from your responsibilities will put you in a better frame of mind to complete them when you return. These breaks need not be long; microbreaks of up to 10 minutes sprinkled throughout your work day can replenish your energy.

Besides taking microbreaks, you need to understand the root cause of your burnout via self-reflection. Find a quiet corner to sit where you will not be disturbed by others or distracted by email notifications.

Then, write down your reflections on the following questions in your journal: What events are making me most stressed, worried or depressed right now—and are they within my personal control? If yes, is there one step I can take to address each stressor? And if they are out of my control, is there one ritual I can cultivate that will help me cope with these feelings? Through this simple exercise, you will gain greater clarity as to how to resolve your burnout.

Furthermore, you can critically analyse your work priorities. It’s easy to get overwhelmed during a work week when you are working on multiple projects at once—you may find it tough to stay on top of them all. This is when priorisation becomes paramount.

If you fail to prioritise your work, you may waste time on meaningless tasks and ultimately neglect your most important responsibilities. Figure out what the most important and urgent action items are—and focus on them first. It’s good for you to set realistic deadlines for yourself.

Lastly, don’t hesitate to communicate with your manager openly about the burnout you’re feeling. Ask for guidance—your manager may have some solutions, such as adjusting your workload for the time being. If all else fails, know that you can always find a work environment which is better suited for you.

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