Everyone is in control of their own choices and their own life. But what should you do when you notice that a colleague is on the verge of burnout?
When burnout is a possibility, the person affected generally wants to maintain their professional reputation and, above all, avoid showing any signs of vulnerability to their colleagues and superiors. This is normal and healthy. The person is free to make their own choices, and in principle, nothing should be imposed on them or done behind their back, except in extreme cases, when the person’s health is at risk. In France, the article 223-6 alinéa 2 of the Penal Code defines the framework and penalties for “failure to assist a person in danger,” which is an obligation of means rather than an obligation of results. The danger must be serious, imminent, constant, and requiring immediate intervention.
As a colleague or union representative, we are neither psychologists nor doctors. To each their own role. Some might point out that this doesn’t prevent us from maintaining a certain distance from allopathic medicine, which ultimately pays little attention to prevention and whose treatment capabilities are, more often than not, quite limited—psychotropic drugs remain merely a last resort, with often debilitating side effects that are difficult to shake off.
An objective, level-headed outsider can help the person realize that it is high time to rethink their career strategy. We have seen this time and again: the person does not realize they are on the brink of a crisis. They think they can keep going just a little longer. In our experience, this is the major trap of burnout: the person doesn’t believe it until the very last moment, and by then it’s too late—they risk weeks, months, or even years of incapacity… with serious consequences for his life in general.
Furthermore, while work is generally the primary source of exhaustion, other aspects of life—such as personal and relational issues—can also come into play or interact with it. In our experience, conscientious, perfectionist, and empathetic individuals are particularly prone to burnout.
Here are a few suggestions:
Suggest self-assessment questionnaires: these include questions such as: “Are you making more mistakes? “; “Are you becoming irritable?”, “Having trouble concentrating?”, “Feeling like you’ll never get it done?”, “Have you stopped doing your usual activities?”, etc.…
– Make the person aware that they might need to pay more attention to those around them (family members often notice warning signs).
– Help them take a step back, for example by using humor.Offer positive, non-judgmental support;
– Advise them to see their primary care physician.
– Warn them about the potentially catastrophic consequences of burnout.
These tips are based on my experience supporting many colleagues. But every person is unique.