In the modern workplace, burnout has become an all-too-familiar term to describe a professional life where demands exceed one’s capacity to produce results. According to a 2023 survey, of the 59% of Americans experiencing burnout due to the mental and physical exhaustion associated with prolonged stress, 71% are Gen Z and 65% are Millennials.
While we discuss causes related to rising workload, unrealistic expectations and poor work-life balance, we often miss a subtle yet equally problematic cause: misalignment burnout. This professional experience occurs when an individual's personal values, goals, and aspirations clash with those of their organization, resulting in a profound sense of disconnection, disillusionment, and exhaustion. With employees reporting signs and symptoms of burnout on the rise, conscious leaders are asking themselves, what can they learn from misalignment burnout to protect their teams, companies and themselves from the negative impacts of committing to a poor fit?
Impact of Misalignment Burnout
At its core, misalignment burnout stems from a misfit between an individual's intrinsic motivations and the prevailing culture and expectations within their workplace. This misalignment can manifest in various forms, from conflicting values to divergent career aspirations. For instance, an employee driven by creativity and innovation may find themselves stifled in a rigidly hierarchical organization that values conformity over experimentation.
The consequences of misalignment burnout are profound, both for individuals and organizations alike. On a personal level, individuals experiencing misalignment burnout often report feelings of disillusionment, frustration, and even existential dread. This pervasive sense of disconnection can erode one's sense of purpose and fulfillment, leading to decreased productivity, engagement, and overall well-being.
Moreover, the effects of misalignment burnout extend beyond the individual to negatively impact organizational culture and performance. When too many employees experience misalignment burnout, it can create a cascade of negative outcomes, including decreased morale, higher turnover rates, and diminished innovation and creativity. In essence, misalignment burnout not only saps the vitality of individuals but also undermines the collective resilience and effectiveness of teams and organizations.
Personal Strategies to Overcome Misalignment Burnout
Fortunately, there are a few steps individuals can take to mitigate and overcome the negative impacts of misalignment burnout.
1️⃣ Clarify Values and Goals: Take the time to reflect on your core values, aspirations, and priorities. Identify what truly matters to you in both your personal and professional life. This self-awareness will help you recognize when there is a misalignment between your values and those of your workplace.
2️⃣ Assess Current Alignment: Evaluate how well your current role and organization align with your values, goals, and aspirations. Consider whether your work environment fosters growth, autonomy, and a sense of purpose, or if there are significant discrepancies that contribute to your sense of burnout.
3️⃣ Seek Meaningful Connection: Cultivate relationships with colleagues who share similar values and aspirations. Engage in conversations that stimulate intellectual curiosity and personal growth. Building a supportive network can provide validation and encouragement during challenging times.
4️⃣ Establish Boundaries: Create and protect clear boundaries between work and personal life to prevent burnout. Define specific times for work-related activities and prioritize self-care activities that replenish your energy and well-being. Communicate these boundaries as assertively as possible to colleagues and supervisors.
5️⃣ Explore Personal Development Opportunities: Invest in activities and experiences that align with your personal and professional growth objectives. Pursue learning opportunities, hobbies, or side projects that ignite your passion and creativity. Continuously seek ways to develop skills and expand your knowledge base.
6️⃣ Seek Mentorship and Guidance: Identify mentors or trusted advisors who can provide perspective and guidance on navigating career challenges. Seek their input on strategies for realigning your career trajectory with your values and aspirations. Their insights and support can be invaluable in making changes to overcome misalignment burnout.
7️⃣ Reassess Career Goals and Priorities: Reflect on how well your current career path aligns with your long-term goals and aspirations. If there is a big gap between where you are and where you want to be, consider alternative career paths or opportunities that better align with your values and desired outcomes. Be open to making strategic changes to your career trajectory as needed and focus on incremental gains in the right direction.
8️⃣ Act Toward Alignment: Regardless of how long you stay, take proactive steps to address areas of misalignment in your work environment. Advocate for changes that align with your values and contribute to a more supportive and fulfilling workplace culture. Remember that small actions can lead to meaningful shifts over time.
In a world where burnout has become an epidemic in organizational culture, it's imperative that we shine a light on the often-overlooked experience of misalignment burnout and understand the toll it takes on professional performance. By recognizing the signs, understanding the underlying causes, and implementing strategies to overcome it, individuals can chart a course toward greater alignment, fulfillment, and resilience. In doing so, we can create workplaces that not only sustain productivity and performance but also nourish the human spirit and unleash the full potential of every individual.
Danielle Terranova is the voice behind Leadership Lessons with Danielle.
She has been an executive coach since 2015 and owner of Terranova Consulting, LLC since 2019.