Professional deformation: how to keep it under control

Professional deformation — is a term that usually means something negative and refers to the distortion of professional and personal qualities caused by the particulars of a given job. But why does the phenomenon deserve your attention? Because it can not only reduce your effectiveness at work but also have a negative effect on your personal life, your health and your general wellbeing.

In this article we look at which professions are most exposed to it, which symptoms accompany it and what the consequences can be. We also suggest practical methods for preventing or minimising the process, along with recommendations for improving your working environment and your overall quality of life.

Table of contents:

• Defining professional deformation
• A description of the term and its historical roots
• Examples of the professions most exposed to professional deformation
• The causes of professional deformation
• Examples from real life and from research
• Signs and symptoms
• Psychological and physical symptoms
• The effect on your career and personal life
• Ways of preventing it

Defining professional deformation

Before diving into ways of fighting professional deformation and its consequences, it is important to understand clearly what it is. Defining the term and understanding its historical context help us see which professions are particularly exposed to the phenomenon and which risks are possible. In this section we describe the origin of the term «professional deformation», its main characteristics, and give examples of professions that often meet this problem in their work.

A description of the term and its historical roots

Professional deformation — is a state in which a person's professional activity starts having a negative effect on their personal qualities, behaviour and views.

The term has its roots in medicine, where «deformation» means the distortion or alteration of a form or function. In this context we speak of the «distortion» of professional and personal development caused by the particulars of a given job.

Historically the concept of professional deformation was relevant in many eras and cultures, but it became particularly noticeable with the development of industrialisation and narrow specialisation of labour. It has not lost its relevance since, and has become the subject of numerous studies and publications.

Examples of the professions most exposed to professional deformation

• Medical workers: emotional burnout and detachment can become key problems for doctors and nurses who regularly encounter human suffering.
• Police and security services: frequent stressful situations and a high level of responsibility can lead to cynicism and psychological problems.
• Teachers and lecturers: working with large numbers of people and having to be constantly «in public» can cause emotional exhaustion.
• IT specialists: an industry that constantly demands a high level of concentration and regular updating of knowledge can cause overwork and social isolation.
• Journalists and editors: a continuous flow of information and tasks with tight deadlines can lead to fatigue, stress and a distorted perception of reality.

This is of course not a complete list, and every profession carries its own risks of professional distortion. Understanding those risks, however, — is the first step towards minimising them and creating a healthier working environment.

The causes of professional deformation

Understanding the causes of professional deformation matters no less than recognising the phenomenon itself. Problems at work and in personal life often start not with symptoms but with root causes. We now look at the main factors that contribute to professional distortion and show through examples how they can manifest in real life and in research.

The main factors behind professional deformation:

• Excessive workload: constant busyness and too little time for rest can lead to burnout.
• No work-life balance: an uneven distribution of time between work and personal life often causes stress and a decline in quality of life.
• A high level of stress: constant psycho-emotional tension can lead to various illnesses and psychological problems.
• Narrow specialisation: a limited range of duties and a lack of variety in the work can lead to a loss of interest and motivation.
• A lack of social support: the absence of support from colleagues and management can make the condition worse.

Examples from real life and from research

Medical workers

Research shows that doctors and nurses often experience emotional burnout because of constant contact with the sick and a high level of stress.

IT specialists

In IT, where knowledge and skills have to be constantly updated, «impostor» syndrome is common and leads to a decline in professional self-esteem.

Journalism

Because of constant deadlines and the need to stay always «up to date», journalists often face overwork and stress, which shows in their work and personal life.

Teachers

Because of a heavy workload and a lack of social support, many teachers feel tired and disappointed in their profession, which is confirmed by numerous studies in this area.

Examining these factors and examples gives us a broad overview of the causes that can lead to professional deformation. That lets us move on towards finding effective ways of resisting the phenomenon.

Signs and symptoms

Understanding exactly what counts as a sign of professional deformation is key to solving the problem in time. This section is devoted to identifying those symptoms. We look at both the psychological and the physical manifestations of the phenomenon, so that you have a complete picture of what to watch for in your own behaviour or that of colleagues.

How to tell whether you or your colleagues have professional deformation:

• A change in attitude to work. If you or a colleague have started treating your duties with detachment, that can be a sign of professional distortion.
• Lower productivity. Constant tiredness and a lack of interest in the work often lead to a drop in effectiveness.
• A change in social behaviour. Avoiding communication or, on the contrary, increased aggression, can be symptoms.
• A constant feeling of tiredness or stress. If you or a colleague often feel exhausted, that too can be an indicator.

Psychological and physical symptoms

Psychological:

• Emotional burnout: the feeling that the «battery is at zero» and an inability to take pleasure in professional achievements.
• Apathy and indifference: a lack of interest in the work and in the results of your own activity.
• Cynicism: a negative or ironic attitude towards colleagues, clients or the work itself.

Physical:

• Chronic fatigue: a constant feeling of tiredness even after rest.
• Weakened immunity: frequent colds and illnesses connected with a weakened immune system.
• Sleep problems: insomnia or a disrupted sleep pattern.

Recognising these signs and symptoms is the first step towards restoring the balance between professional and personal life. The next stage is finding ways of fighting the phenomenon, which we discuss in the sections that follow.

The effect on your career and personal life

If you think professional deformation — is a problem confined to your workplace, you are badly mistaken. The phenomenon can have long-term consequences not only for your career but also for your personal life. It can also seriously affect the economic performance of an organisation as a whole.

How professional deformation can affect your capacity for work and your relationships:

• Capacity for work: professional distortion can reduce your effectiveness, your motivation and even the quality of the work you do.
• Relationships within the team: emotional burnout and cynicism can damage relationships with colleagues and management.
• Personal life: the absence of a work-life balance and constant stress can have a negative effect on your family life, your social relationships and even your health.

Economic consequences for organisations:

• Lower productivity: employees suffering from professional deformation are often less productive, which costs the company money.
• Higher staff turnover: dissatisfied or burnt-out employees leave more often, which creates additional costs for hiring and training new people.
• The risk of reputational damage: employees suffering from professional distortion can damage relationships with clients and partners, which in the long run can harm the company's reputation.

Example:

At an IT company with a high level of professional deformation among its staff, turnover rises noticeably, which brings additional costs for finding and onboarding new specialists.

Professional deformation is not one individual's problem. It is a phenomenon that can have a wide range of negative consequences, including economic losses for organisations. For that reason it cannot be ignored at either the individual or the organisational level.

Ways of preventing it

Professional deformation — is a phenomenon that can and should be resisted. Prevention plays a key role here. Let us look at specific steps and methods that help you prevent or minimise the risks of professional distortion, and offer recommendations for creating a healthy, productive working environment.

Steps you can take to prevent professional deformation:

• Working on your work-life balance: give attention not only to work but also to rest, family and hobbies.
• Regular self-checks: run an «audit» of your emotional state, your stress level and your attitude to work.
• Social support: do not hesitate to ask colleagues, friends or specialists for help.
• Learning and development: constantly updating your knowledge and skills can help sustain your interest in the profession.
• Physical activity: regular movement and exercise help relieve stress and improve your general condition.

Recommendations for improving the working environment

• Flexible working hours: adjusting working time to individual needs can reduce stress.
• Rest areas: comfortable areas where people can rest and «reboot» raise satisfaction with the work.
• Psychological support: introducing a psychological support programme for employees.
• Corporate culture: creating an atmosphere of respect and support between colleagues.

Examples:

Google offers its employees a wide range of rest and entertainment services right on the office premises, which reduces the risk of professional burnout.

Netflix has a policy of unlimited holiday, which lets employees manage their time more flexibly and reduces the risk of professional burnout.

Some medical institutions use meditation and relaxation programmes to reduce stress among doctors and nurses.

Preventing professional deformation — is a set of measures that includes both individual effort and organisational methods. It requires a systematic approach and the active involvement of every employee, along with support from management.

Remember that everyone is unique, and what works for one person may not suit another. The main thing — is not to be afraid of experimenting and looking for an individual approach. And of course, do not forget that professional support in the form of sessions with a therapist or a career coach can be invaluable on the way to a healthy, successful professional life.

Make caring for yourself part of your daily routine, and you will not only avoid professional deformation but also improve your quality of life as a whole.