​Stress and burnout can affect your workers and impact turnover, productivity, conflict, absenteeism and much more. LGIS data shows that between 2010 and 2015, the average cost for a psychological claim in WA local government was $40,994 - twice the average cost of a physical claim.

With the ongoing rise of communications technology and decentralised workplaces, the demands on workers have been steadily increasing. A 2014 study conducted by VicHealth identified workers who had little control over their job but were under high pressure to perform accounted for 17% of depression in working women and 13% in working men.

Much research on the notion of burnout has been conducted over the years, identifying that workers who are at risk of burnout (e.g. chronic exhaustion, negative and cynical views and attitudes towards work, feeling overwhelmed and hopeless) show impaired job performance and increased risk of serious health problems.

Burnout can result from various factors, including:

• Workers expecting too much of themselves
• Workers feeling unappreciated for their work efforts
• Lack of control
• Unclear job expectations
• Dysfunctional workplace dynamics
• Poor job fit
• Extremes of activity (i.e. monotonous or chaotic work which require constant energy to remain focused)
• Lack of social support 
• Work-life imbalance

It is important for everyone to learn the signs and symptoms of stress overload in themselves and to take steps to reduce its harmful effects. Everyone experiences stress differently and so different strategies will work for different people. There is no "one size fits all" approach when it comes to managing stress or juggling priorities.

LGIS HR risk management team offers a range of workshops around developing more effective strategies to manage work and personal priorities and time management.