Identifying SBM burnout, and 8 effective tips for avoiding it

It’s been a tough year for School Business Managers. Asked to adapt and remain flexible to the changing world around them, and often pulled into tasks that weren’t included on the original job spec, SBMs can be forgiven more than most for longing for an extended break.

With over half of SBMs now working at least seven hours overtime each week, becoming burned out is a real possibility. To ensure that doesn’t happen, take a step back and consider how you can manage your stress, workload and general wellbeing so you don’t suffer from burnout so close to a break.

This article gives you eight burnout-busting tips to get you started, plus some guidance on what exactly burnout is.

Am I burned out?

In 2019, the World Health Organisation (WHO) officially recognised burnout as an occupational phenomenon. Defined as a “state of vital exhaustion”, they say burnout is characterised in three main ways:

• feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion
• increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job
• and reduced professional efficacy

8 ways to avoid burnout for SBMs

Anyone who comes under high levels of stress can suffer from burnout. With the potential health problems stress can cause now well established, it’s important you take steps if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Here are eight suggestions from us.

1. Understand the problem

We’ve given a stripped-down definition of burnout above, but the symptoms and phases of burnout are well established by the experts. Take this medically reviewed guide from healthline as an example. It details the signs, stages and remedies of burnout, and could help you become more aware when burnout is setting in.   

2. Encourage collaboration

Whenever you’re struggling with mental health issues, speaking out and asking for help is always a positive step. That might be for dedicated mental health support, someone to talk to, or it might be to reach out to your colleagues to lighten the load.

SBMs are some of the most versatile assets a school has, with their roles encompassing many things they probably never thought they’d touch. See if other staff members in your school can do the same, collaborating on projects to lessen your load.

Times are tough right now, so everyone needs to pull together to make it a little less stressful for us all.

3. Make the most of “me” time

The statistic we mentioned earlier, of SBMs working lots of overtime, is testament to the pressures that come with the role. But over time  will take its toll. It’s important to, as best you possibly can, keep your social time sacred.

In our SBM survey, we found you like to spend your free time with your family, binge on Netflix and just sit back with a beer. If burnout is setting in, get back in touch with what you love to do and don’t take your work home with you.

4. Get out there and exercise

These next two pointers you hear all the time, but their importance cannot be understated. Exercise is one of the best stress relievers out there. It improves your mood and self-esteem, lifting your spirits and ensuring you have a brighter day.

Even if it’s walking to and from work each day, something is better than nothing. Over time, you’ll really see the difference in how you feel during the day.

5. Eat and sleep well

As an extension of exercise, diet and sleep are paramount to reducing the negative effects of burnout. There are plenty of studies out there, but this 2014 one from the University of Warwick found that higher levels of wellbeing were found in people who ate more fruit and vegetables.

Eating well and exercising contributes to better sleep too, and we all know the benefits of a good night’s sleep. Increased alertness, better mood and improved cognitive function – it all helps you to have a better day at work and feel a little less burned out.

6. Reach out for support

There’s plenty of help and support out there for people who are feeling the pressures of workplace burnout.

For a start, you could look to the thriving and helpful SBM community. Joining something like the SBL tea break is a great way to connect to new SBMs and air your concerns. It might just help you realise you are not alone in your workplace struggles. We’ve collated some other places SBMs can go for support in this post.

For more specific help related to mental health, get in touch with Education Support and take a look through their helpful resources on the subject of stress. If you want to step away from our industry, take a look at leading mental health charity Mind.

7. Inject some fun into your work

Fun! Remember that? You can be forgiven for losing sight of any light-hearted relief during these tough times but putting your imagination to work and sprinkling in some fun can really make a difference.

In the run up to Christmas, why not pop on some Christmas tunes? Lay down some plans for staff socials when circumstances allow. Anything to invoke some positive vibes in you and your colleagues.

8. Remember, you’re making a huge difference

Sometimes all it takes is a little reminder of why you’re in this job in the first place – to make a difference! The role has seen some unprecedented challenges in recent times, but if you can get through them then you can tackle anything.

Look around your school and see how your work makes positive change to the lives of young people. You don’t get the thanks you deserve, but plenty of people appreciate the hard work SBMs continue to put in!