How to Prevent Burnout Using Timeboxing
We’re facing a burnout epidemic that goes beyond work. Understanding its causes can help us fix it.
A 2021 Indeed survey shows 52% of 1,500 American respondents say they feel burned out, compared with 43% the year prior; 67% believe that burnout worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic.
That’s not surprising.
People who worked from home during the COVID-19 pandemic ended up working more: The same Indeed survey found 53% of virtual employees work more hours now than they did in the office.
That nationwide job burnout inspired two movements: the Great Resignation — a record number 47.4 million Americans voluntarily quit their job in 2021 — and doing the bare minimum at work.
Job burnout isn’t the only kind of burnout.
Burnout can also rear its head in our relationships domain, especially in parenting, caretaking, or romantic relationships, all of which were challenged during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Romantic relationships were put to the test as many found themselves spending unlimited time together without a break. Parents tried to care for their kids, help them navigate virtual schooling, and work at the same time, in the same space.
