No matter what industry you work in, burnout does not discriminate. Most workers have felt burnout at least once in their careers, and many experience it more than once.
When an employee experiences burnout, it can take a considerable toll on their personal and professional lives.
What Is Burnout and What Can Be Done To Help?
What Causes Burnout?
Some managers may notice that certain busy seasons or stressful business events impact workers on a bigger level, which can often lead to burnout since after the busy season is over, regular work remains at its normal pace.
Here are a few examples of what can typically cause burnout for your employees:
- If your company is short on staff and employees have to pick up the slack on a long-term basis, it can start to wear on them.
- Busy seasons sandwiched between regular seasons, leaving no time for a break to recharge.
- Huge jobs or stressful projects can cause more stress on employees than regular tasks. You may notice that employees are exhausted toward the end of these projects.
Spot the Signs of Burnout Early On
While you won’t be able to avoid all of the circumstances that may contribute to some employees experiencing burnout, it’s important that, as a manager, you do your best to spot the signs of burnout before it takes its toll on an employee.
It can be hard to spot the signs of burnout as it can manifest in each employee differently, thanks to personality traits and overall well-being.
Physical Symptoms of Burnout
- Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion
- Loss of productivity
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Change in eating habits
Mental Symptoms of Burnout
- Constant worry and anxiety
- Inability to focus clearly
- Increased mental distance or apathy
Emotional Symptoms of Burnout
- Feelings of negativity
- Irritability
- Heightened sensitivity
- Argumentative
How to Help Your Employees Stop Burnout from Happening or Progressing
When you notice any of your employees exhibiting these signs of burnout, you must have compassion and be motivated to help make a positive impact on your team. When someone begins to feel burnout, it’s not like they are beyond correction and will be a drag to the team. Plus, the more attentive you can be to your team, the better. Here are some ways to help correct burnout and prevent it from happening.
Check-In and Encourage Honest Conversation
No matter what time of year, you must check in with your employees regularly. Asking questions, offering to help solve issues, and encouraging feedback can all help you keep a pulse on your employees’ well-being. When you check in with them in meaningful ways, you can help identify the root cause of someone’s burnout and correct the course so their health is not compromised and the team’s productivity is on track.
Be an Advocate
Managers should also view themselves as an advocate for each team member. Talking about them in encouraging ways and celebrating their successes and efforts build up confidence in your employees, which can go a long way in protecting them from feeling negative pressure at work.
As an advocate, you will also help them protect their time and create boundaries so they can achieve a healthy work-life balance. This balance will help them come to work refreshed and ready to face the stresses because they fulfilled a more significant part of themselves during their time away from the projects or barrage of emails.
Set the Healthy Example
As a manager, your employees watch to see if you do as you say. It’s essential to follow through and live by example. Set your boundaries, and create a work-life balance that allows you to be productive, supportive, and engaged in life outside the office. Work hard, enjoy your time away, and live healthily so that your whole body (physical, mental, emotional) is ready to take on whatever project or goals you will face at work.
Build a Team for Success
If you need help finding the right employees to boost your team to success, contact Expert Staffing.