Employee Burnout
According to Psychology Today, burnout is a state of chronic stress that leads to physical and emotional exhaustion, cynicism and detachment, as well as feelings of ineffectiveness or lack of accomplishment. Burnout, not just from work, but life, is becoming more and more common. The number of employees that reported feeling burnt out pre-pandemic was 42%, and that number shot up to 72% in August of 2020.
The pandemic has affected workers in different ways, whether it’s not knowing when to log off or the disproportionate impact it’s having on mothers and families cramped into smaller workspaces and cut off from the peers they would typically work with. However, it’s important to understand that burnout was prevalent before the pandemic, and will continue to be an issue well after if it is not addressed. Listed below are common contributors to burnout:
- Workload
- Not enough time to get everything done
- Lack of support from the organization
- Growth stagnation
- A disconnect between company and personal values
How Can Employers Help?
- Two-Way Communication
Open, two-way communication is one of the most effective tools at preventing burnout. Clearly outlining job roles and expectations alone can reduce a significant amount of a stress for employees. In addition, keep employees informed on upcoming organizational changes and be transparent about how those changes will affect them and their job roles. Making sure every voice is heard during meetings and acting on feedback or suggestions is a great way to show employees that they have your support.
- Eliminate Roadblocks
Are there any tools, policies or equipment keeping an employee from completing their daily work? Removing roadblocks will increase efficiency and boost performance. In addition to eliminating what is holding them back, make sure to provide all the necessary tools and resources your employees may need to complete their job. Setting them up for success directly impacts their well-being and helps prevent burnout at work.
- Make Well-Being Part of your Culture
When an organization makes well-being a priority of its culture and provides resources for employees to live healthier lives, they take better care of themselves. They will also be able to recognize the signs of burnout and practice self-care to manage it. Encourage employees to live a healthy, meaningful and productive work life. Support them in pursuing their ideal work-life balance and encourage them to make healthy choices each and every day. What’s the best way to do this! Lead by example!
- Put Your Employees First
As stated by the HR Exchange Network, the best offense is a good defense so to speak. Being a people first, cultured organization means that the first question you should ask when making a change is, “How is this going to impact our employees?” While this mentality can add a layer of complexity, thinking ahead and putting the health and well-being of your employees as a top priority will always pay off in the end.
- Hold Frequent Check-Ins
Checking in frequently with your employees, one-on-one, is incredibly important. This is especially true for your employees that are still working remotely. Talk about their goals, their progress, their roadblocks, and give feedback so they know where they stand. This is also a great opportunity to discuss employee development plans and career ladders, so employees know they have futures at your company.
Taking small steps now to help your employees prevent burnout, whether they have returned to the office or are still working remotely, will have a drastic impact in the future. Click here to learn more!
