In a post-pandemic world, people everywhere have been desperate for relief after a very difficult few years, and for a time, it seemed possible. However, the disproportionate rate of inflation, continued economic uncertainty, the Ukrainian-Russian War, and another highly polarized American presidential election seem to have only heightened stress levels across the country.
These combined challenges have made employee burnout more prevalent than ever before. Knowing that tensions are continuing to rise, it will be more important than ever for employers to recognize and address fatigue early and head-on. This blog will explore five signs of employee burnout, offer prevention strategies, and provide ways to support current staff who are feeling worn out.
Signs of Employee Burnout
- Decreased Productivity and Efficiency - Employees who were once high performers may start to lag in their work, missing deadlines and producing lower-quality work. This drop in productivity is often a clear sign of burnout.
- Increased Absenteeism - Employees experiencing burnout tend to take more sick days or unexplained leaves of absence. They may also frequently come in late or leave early, indicating a lack of motivation or physical and mental exhaustion.
- Emotional Exhaustion - Employees may appear more irritable, anxious, or detached. Emotional exhaustion can manifest as a loss of enthusiasm for work, a sense of dread when facing daily tasks, and often lead to more disagreements with coworkers.
- Physical Symptoms - Burnout can lead to physical issues like headaches, stomach problems, or sleep disturbances. These symptoms can be a result of prolonged stress and should not be overlooked.
- Increased Cynicism and Detachment - A noticeable change in attitude, where employees become more cynical about their work or the organization, often indicates employee burnout. They may express negative opinions more frequently or show a lack of interest in team activities and company events.
Prevention Strategies and Support for Current Staff
- Promote Work-Life Balance While it may feel counterintuitive to encourage employees who are underperforming to take breaks, use their vacation days, and disconnect from work outside office hours - it has been proven very effective to help reset. Flexible working hours and remote work options can also help in balancing professional and personal life if you are able to offer this option.
Pro-tip: Identify what may be affecting your employees' work-life balance within the company—overbearing managers, heavy workloads, a lack of tools for the job— and then work to find solutions and policies that can help address these issues. After all, if it is affecting one employee, they likely aren't the only ones.
- Implement Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) EAPs provide confidential counseling services, resources, and support for employees dealing with personal or work-related issues. Not only can these programs significantly alleviate stress and prevent employee burnout, there are many affordable and unique options to fit your needs. Helplink, for example, is a free service that utilizes money your company is already spending to help employees overcome financial barriers that may keep them from getting to, or focusing on, their work.
- Foster a Positive Company Culture A supportive work environment where employees feel valued and heard can reduce burnout, or better yet, spot it before it happens! Beyond encouraging open communication, recognizing achievements, and providing opportunities for development, we encourage you to get creative. If you’re really serious about diving into company culture, there are great training programs, including this one from the Disney Institute to give you a tried and true framework. If that isn’t in the budget – company picnics, team volunteering, and department activities like pottery or ziplining are also very effective! The goal is to help your employees engage and interact with one another in a laid back setting that allows for relationship building.
- Provide Resources for Stress Management Offer workshops, training sessions, and resources on stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and time management. Equip your employees with the tools they need to manage stress effectively so that they have the proper tools to combat onsetting burnout before it’s too late.
- Regular Check-Ins and Feedback Have you ever had a conversation with a friend after a particularly bad day and immediately felt better? It is likely that you left the conversation feeling lighter because they offered solutions or waved a wand and fixed all of your problems - but rather because you were able to express yourself in a space that felt secure and non-judgmental. Teach and encourage your management team to create the same kind of space where open dialect, suggestions, praise, and concerns are regular topics of conversation, and aren’t taboo. Sometimes your managers may need to take action, but oftentimes, just a listening ear and knowing your company cares enough to listen, will do the trick.
Constructive feedback and genuine support can help employees feel more engaged and less overwhelmed, not to mention they will help your company grow and excel as new ideas and suggestions arise from the talks!
Relevant Statistics on Employee Burnout
According to a study by the American Psychological Association, more than 70% of employees report feeling stressed at work, with nearly half indicating that their stress levels have increased over the past five years. Furthermore, a Gallup survey found that 76% of employees experience burnout at least sometimes, with 28% reporting they feel burned out "very often" or "always" at work . These statistics highlight the growing prevalence of burnout, exacerbated by the additional pressures of the post-pandemic era and rising inflation.
The Importance of Adaptability
In this ever-changing landscape where tensions continue to rise, it's essential for companies of all sizes to pay close attention to their teams and adjust programs to ensure the health of both their employees and the organization. By implementing strategies to prevent and address employee burnout, companies can not only improve their workforce's well-being but also enhance overall productivity and boost employee retention.
Being willing to change can bring numerous benefits, including a more engaged and loyal workforce, lower turnover rates, and develop a positive reputation as an employer who genuinely cares about their employees. In a world where the dynamics of work are continuously evolving, the companies that thrive will be those that prioritize the well-being of their team and embrace innovative approaches that demonstrate their commitment to more than just the bottom line.
References
American Psychological Association. (2022). Stress in America 2022. Retrieved from APA Website.
Gallup. (2022). State of the Global Workplace Report. Retrieved from Gallup Website.
