So what’s the best way to curb workplace burnout? Firstly, it is important to understand what exactly it is and also what causes it. Then it’s about identifying whether burnout is present in your business and if it is - taking the right steps to remedy it. We’ve also got 10 tips to help lower the possibility of your workplace experiencing the effects of burnout. 

What is workplace burnout? 

Workplace burnout is a state of chronic physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress and overwork. And while it’s typically attributed to modern working life, the term ‘burnout’ has actually been around since the mid-1970’s.

People experiencing burnout may feel drained, lose motivation, and have a sense of reduced accomplishment, which can affect their performance, relationships, and overall well-being.

What are the main causes of workplace burnout?

Workplace burnout often results from feeling overwhelmed, undervalued, or unable to meet constant demands.

But it's not just about working long hours, burnout can stem from factors like; lack of control when it comes to decision making, unclear expectations of responsibilities and goals, an unhappy work environment where there is a lack of support, or a poor work-life balance.

Not feeling appreciated can lead to a sense of failure and pointlessness i.e. ‘Why should I even try my best?’. And even doing repetitive or uninteresting work without opportunities for growth or development can lead to disengagement and burnout. All of these factors can combine and accumulate over time, leading to the exhaustion and withdrawals that are characteristic of burnout. And it’s a serious issue, which can lead to physical and mental health problems if not addressed.

How to identify burnout in your employees, and yourself

Identifying burnout in yourself or your employees involves looking out for a combination of physical, emotional, and behavioural signs that go beyond typical tiredness or stress. 

Some of these things include decreased performance and productivity. Burnt out employees may also complain about feeling constantly fatigued, even after rest.

Changes in attitude, such as increased negativity, irritability, or a lack of engagement are also an indication of something more serious, and they might distance themselves from colleagues or seem less interested in the team or business’s goals.

Physical symptoms are often present as well. From frequent complaints about headaches, to stomach issues, or other stress-related health problems can all be red flags.

These are also all things to recognise in yourself. If you have constant fatigue, even after a full night’s sleep, it could be a sign of burnout, especially if you find it hard to focus, are easily distracted, or struggle with forgetfulness. 

Procrastination, overwhelm and irritability that doesn’t seem to pass - particularly if you find yourself frustrated over minor issues - can all be signs of workplace burnout.

Managing burnout in your business

Recognising the above signs early can help prevent burnout from taking hold, allowing you or your employees to take steps towards recovery and regain a healthier work-life balance.

But if you’re dealing with an employee who already has workplace burnout, it’s important to be empathetic, supportive, and strategic. The goal is to help the employee recuperate, regain their energy, and return to being productive without exacerbating their stress. 

10 tips for minimising the occurrence of burnout

Dealing with burnout involves creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and balanced in their work. 

Here are some key strategies:

1. Promote a healthy work-life balance: Encourage employees to take breaks, use their holiday leave and set boundaries between work and personal time. Avoid expecting that they should be available outside of normal working hours.

2. Define roles, responsibilities and goals: This reduces confusion and helps employees focus on their tasks without unnecessary stress.

3.Encourage open communication: Create an environment where employees feel comfortable speaking up about their workload, stress levels, or any concerns they might have. Regular check-ins can provide a platform for discussing challenges and finding solutions early.

4. Recognise and reward effort: Acknowledge achievements, both big and small. Providing positive feedback and celebrating successes can boost morale and help employees feel appreciated and valued.

5. Monitor workloads and distribute tasks fairly: Keep an eye on the distribution of tasks to ensure that no one is consistently overloaded. Delegate appropriately and make adjustments as necessary to balance the workload among team members.

6. Provide resources for stress management: Offer access to resources such as employee assistance programs, mental health support, stress management workshops, or mindfulness training to help employees cope with stress more effectively.

7. Encourage growth and development: Provide opportunities for employees to develop new skills, take on new challenges, or advance in their careers. This can help keep work engaging and prevent feelings of detachment from the work environment.

8. Be a role model: Lead by example in managing stress and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Show that it’s okay to take breaks, ask for help, and set boundaries.

9. Create a positive work environment: Cultivate a workplace culture that values teamwork, respect, and support. Address problematic behaviours promptly and ensure that the work environment is inclusive and collaborative.

10. Stay attuned to early signs of burnout: Regularly assess the well-being of your team, and take immediate action when you notice early signs of burnout. This might involve adjusting workloads, offering additional support, or simply being there to listen.

When it comes to managing burnout in your workplace, you don’t have to deal with it alone. Use the advisors and professionals around you to identify areas in your business that could be improved in order to minimise the potential of stress and ensure daily operations are functioning to the best of their abilities.

Contact your Client Advisor or send us a message if you wish to discuss this further.