Employee burnout is no longer associated with high-pressure jobs only. With COVID-19 disorganizing how we live and work, the impact of burnout is now more visible across professions. Interestingly, while the impact of the pandemic has subsided, burnout levels in the workplace have continued to rise.
The World Health Organization (W.H.O.) defines burnout as “a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.” In its latest ICD-11 report, W.H.O classifies burnout as an “occupational phenomenon” that is characterized by;
With a recent study reporting 59% of American workers as experiencing at least moderate levels of burnout, it is a serious concern for employers. With the risk of reduced productivity, unmotivated workers, and increased staff turnover, companies need effective strategies to avoid or reduce burnout.
Here are 5 strategies that can help prevent employee burnout and promote mental well-being in the workplace.
1. Promote Work-Life Balance
Workplace policies that make it hard for employees to manage their personal lives often lead to a negative attitude towards work. Put in place policies that promote solid boundaries between work and personal life to avoid burnout. The policies may include flexible scheduling and flexible working options like remote work or hybrid systems. Giving employees more control over how they work makes them feel empowered and increases job satisfaction.
2. Have Reasonable Workloads
Heavy workloads and related demands, including working for long hours often lead to emotional and physical exhaustion. Having adequate staff, setting realistic deadlines, and regularly monitoring employee workloads ensures individual workers are not overworked. It fosters feelings of fairness and reduces burnout. Workload monitoring can also help identify potential workplace stressors, enabling timely changes.
3. Provide Opportunities for Growth and Development
One of the causes of employee burnout is the lack of professional development opportunities. It creates feelings of dissatisfaction or being stuck in a job role or position. It can lead to reduced productivity and disengagement. You can prevent burnout by providing opportunities for career growth, including training, continuous advancement, and cross-role mentorship.
4. Train Managers on Employee Mental Health
Several employee surveys identify managers and supervisors as more important for employee mental health than therapists or doctors. With managers responsible for establishing a supportive working environment, with the right knowledge, they can help reduce or avoid employee burnout. Train managers on how to identify and provide support to employees struggling with workplace stress, including burnout.
5. Promote Mental Wellness
Besides managers, everyone in the organization needs to be equipped on how to manage their mental health, including incorporating self-care practices. Employees need to be aware of the mental health challenges they are likely to encounter on the job and how to deal with them. Promote mental health awareness through relevant training and wellness programs.
Bottom Line
Having a mentally healthier workplace starts with acknowledging that employees have another life outside work. Help them have a good work-life balance. Reasonable workloads and opportunities for career growth are crucial in preventing employee burnout. Providing managers and employees with the right information and tools for managing workplace stress also helps prevent burnout.
An organization’s culture, including working conditions significantly affects employees’ mental well-being. Employee burnout impacts productivity, job satisfaction, staff turnover, and ultimately the overall performance of an organization. However, implementing these strategies can help employers prevent and manage burnout and avoid its negative impact.
