Overcoming Burnout Through Coaching

Prior written permission was obtained from each client on which each coaching story is based. Names and some details have been altered to preserve anonymity.

Note: names and some personal details have been changed to preserve anonymity.

Background

Michael, a 38-year-old engineer, presented with symptoms of severe stress and burnout, including constant fatigue, irritability, and a sense of disillusionment with his career. Despite his success, Michael felt overwhelmed by his workload and underappreciated by his team, leading to decreased productivity and a lack of motivation.

Initial Assessment

Michael’s initial assessment revealed high levels of occupational stress, primarily due to unrealistic deadlines, excessive workload, and poor work-life balance. He struggled to disconnect from work, leading to strained relationships and neglect of personal interests and well-being.

Intervention

  1. Identifying Stressors: Michael was guided to identify specific aspects of his job and personal habits contributing to his stress and burnout. This included recognising unrealistic self-expectations and the inability to delegate tasks.
  2. Setting Boundaries: Coaching focused on strategies for setting healthy work-life boundaries, such as defining clear work hours and unplugging from electronic devices after work.
  3. Time Management and Delegation: Michael learned to prioritise tasks, delegate responsibilities effectively, and say no to additional commitments when necessary, reducing his workload and pressure.
  4. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: To manage symptoms of stress, Michael was introduced to mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and regular physical activity, which he incorporated into his daily routine. Potential barriers to maintaining these new ‘habits’ were also identified and ways of overcoming them were agreed and practised.
  5. Career Re-evaluation: Through coaching, Michael explored his career aspirations, values, and interests, leading to a re-evaluation of his career goals and consideration of potential changes that could align more closely with his personal fulfilment.

Outcome

At the end of coaching, Michael reported significant improvements in his well-being and job satisfaction. He felt more energised, engaged in his work, and was able to maintain a healthier work-life balance. His relationships improved due to the time and emotional bandwidth he could now invest in them. Michael also started pursuing a part-time course related to his interests, rejuvenating his passion for learning and personal development.