Final answer:
The receptionist is showing classic signs of job burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a sense of reduced personal accomplishment. These symptoms are consistent with chronic stress and a lack of positive reinforcement in the workplace.
Step-by-step explanation:
The receptionist in the scenario is exhibiting classic signs of job burnout. This state of emotional and physical exhaustion arises from a prolonged response to chronic interpersonal stressors on the job. The symptoms described, such as the change from being cheerful to moody, increased absenteeism, complaints of physical ailments like headaches, and a disorganized work environment, align with the dimensions of job burnout: exhaustion, depersonalization, and diminished personal accomplishment. Essentially, the receptionist is experiencing a sense of depletion in their emotional resources, demonstrating a growing detachment from their work, and feeling a reduced sense of personal achievement in their job-related accomplishments.
Job burnout often affects individuals in human service jobs due to the stresses associated with such positions. It can be triggered by a combination of factors like little positive feedback, unsafe work environments, excessive bureaucracy, work overload, and feelings of a lack of appreciation or recognition for one's work efforts. These often lead to absenteeism, decreased productivity, and can ultimately result in the individual quitting their job, as illustrated by Tyre's experience as a nursing assistant.
It's important for employers to recognize these signs and implement supportive measures to prevent further deterioration of their employees' mental and physical health, which could lead to decreased job performance and higher turnover rates.