Managing workload and preventing burnout

High workloads can lead to stress and burnout for GPs. Learning to manage your work and recognise early warning signs is essential for your wellbeing. There are practical steps you can take to build a sustainable career.

What is burnout?

Burnout is more than just feeling stressed or tired. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines it as an occupational phenomenon. It results from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.

It has 3 main dimensions:

Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion.
Increased mental distance or negative feelings towards your job.
A sense of reduced professional effectiveness.

It is a gradual process that can affect any doctor.

Recognising the signs of burnout

Burnout can develop over time. It is helpful to recognise the signs in yourself or in your colleagues.

Common signs can include:

feeling emotionally exhausted, cynical, or detached from your work
a sense of low personal accomplishment
physical symptoms like headaches, poor sleep, or frequent illness
being more irritable than usual with colleagues or patients

Recognising these signs early is the first step to getting support.

Strategies for managing your workload

There are practical strategies you can use to manage your workload. These can be at both a personal and a practice level.

At a personal level

Learn to say no—It is okay to decline non-essential tasks when you are at capacity.
Schedule admin time—Block out time in your day for paperwork and processing results.
Protect your breaks—Step away from your desk for lunch. Take short micro-breaks between patients.
Create a boundary—Try to finish on time and avoid taking clinical work home with you.

These small changes can make a big difference to your day.

At a practice level

Discuss workload openly—Use practice meetings to talk about pressure points and find team solutions.
Improve workflow—Use patient signposting and care navigation to direct patients to the right professional.
Encourage time off—Support colleagues to take their annual leave to properly rest and recharge.
Work together—Share the burden of administrative tasks and complex cases where possible.

A supportive team culture is a key factor in preventing burnout.

What to do if you are experiencing burnout

If you think you are experiencing burnout, it is important to take action. You should not try to manage it alone.

First, speak to someone you trust. This could be a senior partner, your practice manager, your own GP, or your appraiser. Discussing the situation is the first step. You can also contact a confidential support service at any time.

A referral to your local occupational health service can also be very helpful. They can provide expert advice on workplace adjustments. Learn more about requesting reasonable adjustments.