JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- A recent survey reported 95 percent of military members consider burnout to be the leading cause of separation and retirement. Burnout is a syndrome of emotional exhaustion and feelings of workplace failure that occurs in response to chronic exposure to occupational stressors.
In all ranks, from enlisted to officer, no Airman is exempt from burnout and the stressors that come with military life, like continuous change with hazardous duties and prolonged separation from family and friends. Airmen in the post-COVID-19 era are experiencing greater demands for adaptability, resulting in increased mental and physical health concerns.
Secondary effects of burnout are also evident in the rising number of incidents and mishaps across the force. The bottom line is that burnout syndrome is a readiness issue.
Measure the right values
Historically, service members are taught by the profession of arms and social norms to measure success by achieved rank and duty position. However, this idea of success drives fleeting happiness to the next opportunity and perpetuates a cycle that can never be attained.
A better way to measure success is to first understand what you value in both work and life. Only the individual can determine the measurable values that bring them a true sense of fulfillment and happiness.
Measurable values should expand beyond your professional life and include areas such as family and friendships, health and wellness, or spirituality and mindfulness, among many others.
Align your actions with values
Burnout occurs when your actions are not aligned with your values. Start by creating small daily habits that align with your values and cultivate those behaviors to sustain a healthy work-life balance.
The work-life integration model is a value-based scale designed to take the stress out of navigating life with military duties.
The different phases of military duties (work) are grouped on a sliding scale from routine to vital and correspond to personal commitments (life) of similar value.
As work obligations slide to the right on the upper scale, life commitments on the lower scale move with it. Items listed to the right are considered a higher priority than the given situation.
For instance, someone operating in the routine phase can make time for items directly below such as scheduled leave. Someone operating in the critical phase might miss an anniversary but should be present for their child’s birth.
The intent is not to equate major life events to military obligations. Rather, the concept is designed to provide a new perspective on life’s responsibilities so you can decide the optimal work-life balance.
Remember, caring for yourself by seeking a balanced life is not selfish – it’s necessary for the readiness and longevity of all service members.
A balanced Airman is a ready Airman.