Key Signs of Burnout at Work and How to Prevent It

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Balancing a new role, learning on the job and completing apprenticeship studies can be rewarding, but it can also be demanding. Recognising the early signs of burnout and knowing how to prevent it is essential for protecting your well-being and sustaining long-term career success.  

This guide is designed to support learners by helping them understand workplace burnout and practical ways to manage it.  

What Is Burnout at Work?

Burnout is a state of fatigue caused by prolonged stress. It does not happen overnight. Instead, it builds up over time when pressures feel constant and recovery time is limited. For apprentices and early-career professionals, burnout can stem from juggling work responsibilities, off-the-job training, assessments and personal commitments, often while still building confidence in a new role.

Common Signs of Burnout

1. Constant Fatigue

Feeling tired occasionally is normal, but burnout-related fatigue does not improve with rest. You may feel drained before the day has even begun.  

If tasks that once interested you now feel overwhelming or pointless, this could be a key sign of burnout. You may start to disengage from learning or workplace activities.

Burnout often affects focus and memory, making it harder to absorb new information, meet deadlines or perform consistently at work.  

Ongoing stress at work can lead to frustration, anxiety or a persistent low mood, sometimes spilling over into your life outside work.  

Headaches, disrupted sleep, illness or muscle tension can all be linked to prolonged workplace stress.  

Why Apprentices Are at Risk of Burnout

Apprenticeships are designed to develop skills while gaining real workplace experience, but the dual demands of work and study can increase pressure. New starters may also feel reluctant to speak up if they are struggling. The key is not to see burnout as a personal failure, but as a signal that something needs adjusting.

How to Prevent Burnout at Work

Preventing burnout is about building sustainable habits and using the support available to you.  

Set Realistic Expectations

You are learning. It is normal not to know everything straight away. Break tasks into manageable steps and avoid putting unnecessary pressure on yourself.  

Plan your work and study time clearly, including deadlines and revision periods. Using simple tools such as to-do lists or digital calendars, can help you stay organised and reduce stress.  

Short, regular breaks improve focus and productivity. Stepping away from your screen or workspace can make a significant difference to your energy levels.  

Speak to your line manager or tutor if you are feeling overwhelmed. Apprenticeships are designed to be supportive, and early conversations can prevent problems from escalating.  

Good sleep, regular movement and healthy routines play a crucial role in managing stress at work.  

Recognising how far you have come can boost confidence and motivation. Learning a new profession takes time, and progress is not always linear.  

If feelings of burnout persist despite making changes, it may be time to seek further support. This could include speaking to your GP, accessing workplace wellbeing services or reaching out to mental health support organisations. 

Taking action early is a strength, not a weakness. 

Final Thoughts

Burnout at work can affect anyone, particularly those new to their career or balancing an apprenticeship alongside employment. By recognising the signs of burnout and taking proactive steps to prevent it, you can protect your wellbeing and continue developing the skills needed for a successful future in procurement and beyond.  

Supportive training environments, flexible learning approaches and open communication all play a vital role in helping learners thrive, both professionally and personally.  

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Key Signs of Burnout at Work and How to Prevent It
2026-01-06T13:11:47+00:00
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Bethanie Stimpson SRSCC

Bethanie Stimpson

Progress Mentor

Bethanie began her career in the fitness industry, working as a personal trainer and gym instructor before becoming involved in coaching children through a triathlon club. This experience sparked her passion for working with young people and ultimately led her into a career in education. She initially worked in a nursery and later as a one-to-one teaching assistant in a primary school, before completing her teaching qualification and postgraduate studies. Since then, Bethanie has taught in both the private and state education sectors.

Her academic background includes a qualification in Sports Development, Fitness and Coaching at college, alongside a Childhood & Youth undergraduate degree (2:1). These studies have enabled her to combine her interests in sport, education, and child development, shaping her holistic approach to teaching and mentoring.

Bethanie is passionate about supporting learners to achieve their goals — educationally, personally, and in terms of wellbeing. She places strong emphasis on communication and relationship building, and takes great pride in helping individuals build confidence and overcome challenges. One of her proudest achievements has been supporting learners who initially doubted themselves to grow in confidence and achieve success.

Outside of work, Bethanie has always maintained a strong interest in sport. She previously competed in triathlons and now focuses on running and swimming. In 2023, she completed the London Marathon — an achievement she is particularly proud of. She also enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and their two dogs, which is where she is happiest when not working.

Jazz Bachra SRSCC

Jazz Bachra

Apprenticeship Skills Coach

With over fifteen years of experience in leadership and learning development, Jazz is an accomplished coach and mentor who is passionate about helping individuals achieve their full potential.

He specialises in delivering customer-focused strategies that drive brand differentiation and sustainable business growth, built on a foundation of colleague engagement and continuous learning.
Jazz holds a BA (Hons) in Micro Computing Business Applications from the British Columbian Institute of Technology and a BTEC National Diploma in Business and Computing from London College. He has also achieved a range of professional qualifications, including Education and Training Level 3, and multiple apprenticeship standards such as Operations Manager Level 5, Retail Manager Level 4, and Team Leader Level 3.

Throughout his career, Jazz has developed and inspired high-performing teams across a variety of sectors, creating environments that encourage accountability, growth, and collaboration. His experience includes designing and delivering impactful training programmes, coaching learners to distinction-level results, and building meaningful partnerships with organisations nationwide.

Outside of work, Jazz enjoys keeping active at the gym, playing football, travelling having previously lived in Vancouver, Canada and listening to a wide range of music. He also enjoys relaxing with a good film.

Jack Callaghan

Jack Moore

Operations Team Leader

In December 2023, Jack joined SRSCC as an Operations Coordinator and quickly established himself as a key member of the team.

Promoted to Team Leader in October 2024, Jack utilises his expertise in auditing processes and innovative problem-solving to identify and enhance growth opportunities.

Jack possesses a strong ability to analyse and refine systems and procedures, consistently uncovering chances for streamlining and automation that drive operational efficiency. He excels at communicating complex ideas with clarity and precision.

Detail-oriented yet big-picture focused, Jack applies his exceptional organisational skills to ensure the team adopts the most effective strategies for achieving both individual and collective goals.

His methodical approach and strategic mindset make Jack an invaluable asset to SRSCC, significantly contributing to the team’s success and the realisation of organisational objectives.