Employee workplace burnout is on the rise. Employees of all ages are experiencing the effects of stress and fatigue that can be classified as "burnout." The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies burnout as "a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. Symptoms may be; exhaustion or depletion, increased distance from one's job or negative feelings, and reduced professional efficacy."
In increasingly high-pressure work environments, burnout is becoming more common; 77% of employees report they have experienced burnout at their current job, with more than half citing more than one occurrence. How can you make a difference for your team to ensure they are not suffering from burnout, all while adding a personal touch?
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Watch for the warning signs. Ask your team. Do they have too much on the go? How does their workload look over the upcoming weeks? If you can recognize and discuss early signs, you will be able to be proactive and reduce burnout before it causes an issue for your team.
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Create a sense of community. Your team spends at least 40 hours a week together. Foster a sense of community through activities that breathe life back into the organizations. Examples could include; volunteering at an employee-voted charity, a talent show, or daily lunches to boost morale. Choose a form of community that resonates with your team.
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Encourage work boundaries. Allow your team the ability to switch off their work brain and enjoy their time away from the office. The organization should set expectations around work-life balance for your team to distinguish work boundaries clearly.
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Increase employee engagement. Improving staff's connection with their workplace and coworkers can heighten job satisfaction while reducing stress. Engagement can be promoted through a culture of; transparency, using strengths and talent, autonomy, recognition, and a sense of purpose.
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Leverage physical breaks. Typically categorized as mental health, burnout can also take a physical toll on your body. Tight shoulders or headaches can also be common symptoms. Take a moment to encourage meditation, a walk with fresh air, or a group fitness class.
It is essential to stay on top of burnout to help your team stay their best and feel their best in the workplace environment. As a rising trend year over year, take the time to reflect on how your organization is currently managing employee burnout and what can be implemented from the above suggestions to mitigate future difficulties.
Not feeling confident in your strategy to reduce burnout? The Wendy Ellen Inc. team is here to help! Reach out to our experts at Wendy Ellen Inc. to assist with all your organization's HR practices.
