Burnout Has Become “Normal”: How to Recognize, Prevent, and Recover Without Quitting Your Job

At the beginning of the year, many employees return to work with renewed motivation. Unfortunately, for a growing number of workers, that motivation fades quickly and is replaced by chronic exhaustion, emotional detachment, and declining performance—classic signs of burnout.

Burnout is no longer rare. Various reports in Indonesia indicate that more than half of employees experience prolonged work-related stress and emotional fatigue. What makes burnout dangerous is that it often becomes normalized: being constantly tired is seen as commitment, and emotional numbness is mistaken for professionalism.

What Burnout Really Looks Like

Burnout is not the same as ordinary tiredness. It usually appears as:

• Emotional and physical exhaustion that does not improve with rest

• Cynicism or emotional distancing from work

• Reduced effectiveness, even when working longer hours

Common Workplace Causes in Indonesia

• High workload with little control or decision-making power

• Blurred working hours due to constant digital connectivity

• Unclear roles and expanding responsibilities

• A culture that discourages mistakes and vulnerability

• Lack of appreciation or recognition

Practical Recovery Without Resigning

1. 14-Day Energy Reset

   • Improve sleep consistency

   • Limit multitasking and focus on priority tasks

   • Reduce after-hours digital communication

2. Set Clear Digital Boundaries

   • Define response hours

   • Separate urgent communication from task management

3. Reduce Energy Drainers

   • Shorten meetings

   • Delegate repetitive tasks where possible

Call to Action

If your exhaustion lasts more than two weeks or affects your physical health, seek professional support. Organizations should proactively provide mental health education and EAP services before burnout turns into long-term disengagement.