Key Steps for Helping Employees Avoid Burnout

In 2009, the World Health Organiza­tion (WHO) officially added burnout to its international classification of diseases. The WHO defines this issue as ‘a syndrome conceptualised as result­ing from chronic workplace stress that has been unsuccessfully managed’. In other words, burnout occurs when employees are under significant stress for an extended period of time.

In addition to managing employees’ mental health and well-being, organi­sations should also prioritise prevent­ing burnout for performance reasons. While burnout can negatively impact the organisation’s overall culture, workers who are experiencing burnout may also become less productive and more likely to make mistakes. With such ramifications in mind, it’s im­portant for employers to take burnout seriously and implement steps to help employees avoid it.

Consider the following actions:

Communicate. Regularly checking in with employees is a key step in helping managers and supervisors detect burnout. Ask employees about their workloads, deadlines and expectations, and encourage them to be open and honest about stress or struggles.

Encourage breaks. Employees should be advised to take breaks regularly. This can help prevent both mental and physical fatigue. Taking frequent and regular short breaks may be more beneficial than taking breaks that are longer but spread further apart.

Cross-train. It’s important that, whenever possible, an organisa­tion has more than one employee capable of completing various tasks. If workers are aware they are the only person who can perform certain duties, it may be difficult for them to take time off. Even during time off, this employee may feel guilty or become stressed about their responsibilities.

Provide flexibility. Many em­ployees may have responsibilities beyond the workplace, such as caregiving duties or family obligations. Employers can help workers maintain a healthy work-life balance by allowing them to work remotely or with flexible hours.

Show appreciation. Employees who work hard but receive minimal credit may be more likely to experience burnout. Implement incentive programmes to recog­nise accomplishments and instruct managers and supervisors to be vocal in acknowledging employ­ees’ success.

Burnout is a serious problem that may not only affect workplace morale but even an organisation’s productivity. For more information on employee well-being, contact us today.