Doctor Advises Workers to Allocate Time to Avoid Burnout
Dr Adhitya S. Ramadianto, a psychiatrist from the National Central General Hospital Cipto Mangunkusumo (RSCM), has reminded workers to allocate time for themselves to avoid burnout or work-related exhaustion.
“If you begin to feel burnt out or lose motivation, you can identify it starting from the smallest level within yourself. It may be that we simply need rest or activities that can make us more spirited and relaxed,” said Adhitya on Tuesday (2/6/2026).
Adhitya highlighted the phenomenon of burnout, which is characterised by an individual feeling extremely fatigued by their work. This fatigue is deemed disproportionate to their workload, leading to a lack of engagement and a sense that they are not achieving satisfaction or fulfilment from their tasks.
According to Adhity, this condition arises from an imbalance between work demands and the worker’s capacity. In environments dominated by ‘hustle culture’—where individuals are constantly pressured to perform without sufficient appreciation, rewards, or skill support—workers become more vulnerable to burnout.
“It is very possible that this is related to both factors because, as humans, our time, energy, and strength are inevitably limited. There will always be a limit, and it is entirely human to require rest,” he noted.
In addition to self-recognition, reaching out to close associates can serve as a step to avoid burnout. Adhitya stated that reaching out can involve sharing burdens through storytelling or venting emotions that have been suppressed.
Workers can also reach out to colleagues to seek advice on managing heavy workloads. If these efforts prove insufficient, consulting mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists or psychologists, is recommended as an option to overcome workplace burnout.
“Seeking help serves two purposes: the emotional aspect, allowing one to share and vent their feelings, and the practical or technical aspect, helping us resolve issues within our work,” he concluded.