Workplace Stress

It is important to emphasise that anyone can experience burnout. It is not caused by a lack of ability and is not an indication of incompetence or weakness. Burnout affects both men and women, beginners as well as highly experienced professionals. It does not occur suddenly but develops gradually, often unnoticed until symptoms become severe—at which point recovery becomes more difficult.

Work-related stress is typically long-lasting, low-intensity, and cumulative over time. It can be described as slowly “cooking” us through four phases:

1. Excessively High Expectations and Job Idealisation

Signs: enthusiasm for work, full dedication, high energy levels, positive and constructive attitudes, strong performance

2. Initial Job Dissatisfaction and Early Signs of Burnout

Signs: early physical and mental fatigue, frustration and loss of ideals, reduced work morale, boredom, communication difficulties with colleagues

3. Withdrawal, Isolation, and Increased Stress Symptoms

Signs: avoidance of contact with colleagues, intensified communication problems, anger and hostility toward others, negativity, depression and emotional difficulties, physical and mental exhaustion, psychosomatic symptoms

4. Apathy and Loss of Interest with Severe Stress Intensification

Signs: low personal and professional self-esteem, chronic absenteeism, persistent negative feelings about work, complete cynicism, inability to communicate with others, depression and anxiety, job resignation

In times of uncertainty and change, we often face situations we have no prior experience with, which can intensify stress reactions. Learn more about stress management in our e-learning series Zrnca znanja: Stress Management.