The Domino Effect

Burnout, ugh… that irritating word we associate with overloaded work schedules and emotional exhaustion, isn't just a personal problem. Think of it as the unwanted gift that keeps on giving to family, friends, and co-workers.

A study found that for every employee experiencing burnout, colleagues contribute an extra 5 to 8 hours of weekly work to cover for them. This spills over into increased workloads, creating a cycle of team-wide burnout.

But what really hit Kate and I was how burnout affects the family. The American Institute of Stress stated 20% of people experiencing work burnout reported severe strain on their marital relationships. When burnout spills into family time, it's often our partners who get burned the most. Plus, kids feel the heat too. According to a study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family, parents’ work stress impacts children's emotional well-being. Our burnout inadvertently creates stress in our partners and kids.

If you’re like me, you get so caught up in your own stressors that you don’t assess those around you. One evening when I was having a sleepover with my grandson, Finn, he asked me why I was frowning. Little did I know that a very difficult week at work was written all over my face. What a wake up call!

So, the next time you think you're the sole bearer of your burnout, remember it’s monstrous with tentacles stretching far and wide. Prioritizing balance is not just a personal endeavor but a community service. After all, your well-being plays a vital role in the harmony of your home.