Ryan FowlerA new study by London Office Space reveals the most common symptoms of burnout among Brits, with insomnia and difficulty sleeping topping the list.
The research highlights the average nationwide monthly Google searches made for signs and symptoms of burnout. Insomnia is the most common symptom, drawing 31,778 monthly searches across the country. Experts stress the importance of recognising and addressing burnout to maintain well-being.
In today’s high-pressure environment, burnout is increasingly common as people juggle multiple responsibilities. This is especially true during the summer when companies face higher rates of annual leave and employees manage school holidays alongside work.
The study analysed average monthly Google searches for common burnout symptoms to identify warning signs Brits should be aware of.
Insomnia, the most reported symptom of burnout, often goes unnoticed as it can be attributed to various causes. Persistent sleep disturbances can worsen other symptoms and negatively impact overall health.
Emotional detachment from work or personal relationships is another prevalent sign, leading to decreased productivity and a feeling of isolation. This can create a cycle that intensifies burnout.
Chronic physical and emotional exhaustion, regardless of rest, is a key indicator of burnout. This type of exhaustion affects daily functioning and enthusiasm for previously enjoyed activities.
Isolation is also a common symptom, with many individuals withdrawing from social interactions, which can intensify feelings of loneliness and emotional distress.
Depersonalisation, or feeling disconnected from oneself, is a serious symptom of burnout. Those affected may feel like they are observing their life from outside their body and struggle to reconnect with their daily life and relationships.
Top ten most common symptoms of burnout in the UK
- Insomnia – 31,778 average monthly searches
- Detachment – 5,666 average monthly searches
- Exhaustion – 3,359 average monthly searches
- Isolation – 2,503 average monthly searches
- Depersonalisation – 2,177 average monthly searches
- Forgetfulness – 1,508 average monthly searches
- Helplessness – 1,440 average monthly searches
- Lack of Energy – 941 average monthly searches
- Negativity – 890 average monthly searches
- Lack of Motivation – 866 average monthly searches
Alex Ugarte, Operations Manager of London Office Space, commented: “Burnout can be both physically and emotionally draining, but recognising its signs early can lead to effective intervention. Many Brits are at risk of developing this phenomenon based on the most-Googled symptoms, but many of them – especially exhaustion and forgetfulness – can be hard to attribute to issues at work.
“It’s likely that workers are at higher risk of experiencing burnout now than at the start of the year, as their workload and responsibilities increase to cover for coworkers’ annual leave and reduced capacity due to childcare during the summer holidays. Therefore, you need to be even more attuned to your physical and emotional well-being now.”
