The Causes and Effects of Burnout
#42
March 17, 2023
As a death investigator, I saw firsthand the toll that work-related burnout can take - on colleagues and myself. Burnout is a condition that results from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It can affect anyone, regardless of their job title or industry, and can have serious consequences for both the individual and their organization. Add in a toxic work environment, compassion fatigue, and some gnarly death scenes - you’ve got a recipe for serious issues.
Today, l want to explore the causes and effects of burnout, as well as strategies for preventing and addressing burnout. I love all of the conversations going on about burnout in first responders, but what about the perspective of the death investigator? The following information might make you say duh or even NO DUH! But hear me out.
Causes of Burnout
There are many factors that can contribute to last responder burnout, including long work hours, high job demands, lack of autonomy or control, insufficient social support, and a misalignment between personal values and organizational values.
In the field of death investigation, burnout can be particularly acute due to the nature of the work. Death investigators are routinely exposed to traumatic events and have to deal with the emotional aftermath of those events (from repeated exposure to the scene, body, photographs, and families). We work long hours and are subject to high levels of scrutiny and pressure from the public and the media (either disgusted at our work or making us celebrities). Interacting with grieving families, law enforcement, doctors, nurses, and other stakeholders is emotionally taxing. All of these factors can contribute to burnout and make it difficult for death investigators to maintain their emotional well-being and job satisfaction.
Effects of Burnout The effects of burnout can be serious and far-reaching. Burnout can lead to physical and mental health problems, including fatigue, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, depression, and anxiety. For me, I disconnected with my kids, husband, and friends, which eventually exacerbated the underlying physical and medical health issues. Burnout can also impact job performance, leading to decreased productivity and job satisfaction and increased absenteeism. In severe cases, burnout can lead to job turnover or even suicide.
The a high stakes forensic science field, burnout can have serious consequences in medicolegal investigations. Death investigators who are burned out may miss important details or fail to follow proper procedures, leading to errors in their investigations. Additionally, burnout can cause death investigators to become desensitized to the emotional impact of their work, which can lead to a lack of empathy and compassion for the families of the deceased.
Preventing Burnout Preventing burnout requires a proactive approach from both individuals and organizations. Some strategies for preventing burnout include:
Set boundaries: Death investigators should set clear boundaries between their work and personal lives to avoid overworking themselves. You will never have a 50/50 work life balance so stop trying to achieve it! Instead, consider limiting work hours where you can or not checking work emails outside of work hours.
Take breaks: Death investigators should take regular breaks throughout the day to recharge and avoid burnout. This might include taking a walk or engaging in other activities that help you relax.
Seek social support: Death investigators should seek social support from other death investigators. Friends, family, and colleagues might be able to help you find joy outside of work but peers that understand our jobs are the only people who can help you cope with the emotional toll of our work.
Practice self-care: Death investigators should prioritize self-care activities, such as exercise, meditation, or therapy, to help you manage stress and prevent burnout. It’s not woo-woo BS - it’s powerful work and you can do it!
Address organizational factors: Organizations should take steps to address the factors that contribute to burnout, such as high job demands or lack of control. This might include providing training on stress management or promoting a culture of work-life balance.
Addressing Burnout If an individual is experiencing burnout, it's important to take action to address it before it becomes too severe. Some strategies for addressing burnout include:
Seek support: Death investigators should seek support from colleagues, supervisors, or mental health professionals to help them address their burnout. Most folks have EAPs or Peer Support groups.
Take time off: Death investigators may need to take time off work to recover from burnout. This might include taking a vacation or medical leave.
Reevaluate priorities: Death investigators should take the time to reevaluate their priorities and make any necessary changes to align their personal and professional values. I have an excellent worksheet for this; email me for it!
I’ve been there and I get it. It’s hard to take control when you feel so out of control. You can stop feeling Burned out and it starts by getting curious and reaching out to others. You are not alone!
Cheers,
Kat
Katharine Pope, MA, D-ABMDI
Forensics Found
www.forensicsfound.com
