Are you a perfectionist in the office? Beware, you’re facing burnout

WORKERS who strive for perfection may not always make the best employees. Those who insist on achieving the highest standards are the most likely to burn out because they put themselves under too much stress, a study shows.

While employers assume that a meticulous attention to detail is an ideal trait in staff, researchers found that perfectionists often experience emotional difficulties and are unable to cope when they are given added responsibility.

Employees who are willing to be flexible and diligent are much more successful, the researchers say. The study, by York St John University and the University of Bath, found that perfectionism is ‘largely destructive’ in the workplace.

It can lead to burnout, a syndrome associated with chronic stress that manifests as extreme fatigue and a reduced sense of accomplishment.

The research, published in Personality & Social Psychology Review, said the constant requirement to meet targets at work could have crippling effects for perfectionists.

York St John University’s Dr Andrew Hill, who led the study, said: ‘Too often people confuse perfectionism with more desirable features such as being conscientious. Rather than being more productive, perfectionists are likely to find the workplace quite difficult and stressful.

‘Our research suggests that if perfectionists are unable to cope with demands and uncertainty in the workplace, they will experience a range of emotional difficulties.’ Dr Thomas Curran, lecturer in sport psychology at Bath, added: ‘As a society we tend to hold perfectionism as a sign of virtue or high achievement.

‘Yet our findings show that perfectionism is a largely destructive trait. Organisa- tions must be clear that perfection is not a criterion of success. Instead diligence, flexibility and perseverance are far better qualities.’

The researchers say that placing a greater focus on leading a balanced working life and being more willing to accept failure could help beat the negative effects of failure.

Major companies such as Google have already tried to counter the adverse effects associated with perfectionism by rewarding staff for mistakes.

The company believes that otherwise its workers will not take the risks needed to come up with potentially groundbreaking ideas.

‘A destructive trait’