What are warning signs of burnout at work?

Burnout typically shows up as persistent exhaustion that sleep doesn't fix, growing cynicism or detachment toward your job, and a noticeable drop in productivity despite putting in effort. You might find yourself dreading work constantly, struggling to concentrate, or feeling like nothing you do matters. Physical symptoms are common too, including frequent headaches, getting sick more often, or disrupted sleep. Emotionally, watch for irritability, feeling trapped, or losing satisfaction in work you once enjoyed. You may start withdrawing from colleagues or procrastinating heavily on tasks that used to feel manageable. The key distinction from ordinary stress is that burnout feels chronic and hollow rather than temporary and pressured. Catching these signs early makes recovery significantly easier.