Burnout in the workplace = 10 tips to help prevent it

If you’re a business owner, leader or manager you’re likely familiar with the concept of employee burnout in the workplace. It can be an incredibly troublesome issue that can lead to decreased morale, reduced productivity, and even more serious consequences. Fortunately, there are steps you can take as a business owner, leader  or manager to help prevent employee burnout in the workplace. Here are 10 tips for preventing burnout in the workplace:

1. Prioritize work-life balance. It’s important for employees to feel that they have a healthy work-life balance. Consider offering flexible working hours or work-from-home options to reduce stress levels. We often talk to our clients about creating a life-work balance and not a work-life balance!

2. Encourage breaks. Give employees the opportunity to take a break from their work during the day. Breaks can help refresh the mind and reset the focus. Breaks are best when staff are away from their work station. Provide a space that people can take their breaks in so that they can switch off for a period of time.

3. Reduce workloads. Consider reducing employee workloads if possible to help manage their stress levels. This can be a tough one in today's fast paced business world. However, reduced stress levels leads to greater productivity while burnout leads to zero productivity.

4. Provide support. Make sure you are providing employees with the necessary support to ensure that they are not overwhelmed by their workload. The use of training workshops and regular coaching sessions is a key way to help your work force. The more invested you are in them, the more invested they will be in your business.

5. Communicate openly. Communication is key in the workplace. Make sure that you are open and honest with employees to ensure that there are no misunderstandings or miscommunications. Fear is born out of poor communication and is a key contributor to burnout. 

6. Aim for transparency. Aim to be as transparent as possible with your employees. Make sure that they know what is expected of them and what is expected of the business. Setting clear goals, objectives and expectations gives clarity. When people know what they are required to do, they are more likely to succeed at it and be less stressed in the meantime. Less stress equals a greatly reduce chance of burnout.

7. Leave room for creativity. Allow employees the opportunity to use their creativity in the workplace. This can help them to stay engaged and motivated. We all have a creative side and want some freedom to express ourselves. Giving a little latitude in this area can provide big benefits.

8. Provide recognition. Make sure you are recognizing your employees’ achievements and successes. Acknowledging their efforts will help to boost their morale. Simple things pay dividends in this area. The act of congratulating someone in front of their peers can boost morale all round. Improved moral provides a better workplace atmosphere which leads to less stress and less chances of burnout.

9. Provide tools and resources that help your workforce with their work load. There is nothing worse than wanting to a good job but being stopped because the right tools are not available. Stress can be born out of frustration and there is little more frustrating than not being able to do the job you are asked to do. Make sure the systems you have in place work well, and get them fixed if they don't. Frustration and stress lead to burnout.

10. Promote self-care. Encourage employees to prioritize their mental and physical health. Self-care can help to prevent burnout. Providing an employee wellbeing package that includes education aspects helps with self-care. Going the extra mile to help your work force understand how to take care of themselves shows an employer that cares.

By taking steps to prevent employee burnout, you can help to ensure that your workplace is a healthy and productive environment for all involved. This healthy and productive workplace serves both your workforce and your business. Burnout leads to absences which leads to others picking up extra work and, you guessed it, that leads to more burnout.

When you are ready to help your workforce reduce stress, avoid burnout and improve their mental health..... we can help. Get in touch by filling out the form below so we can show you how we can assist your business.