According to Harvard Business Review, workplace stress and burnout lead to nearly 120,000 deaths yearly and approximately $190 billion in health care spending.
Workplace burnout does not only cause physical and mental health problems in workers, but it also leads to decreased productivity and a high employee turnover rate. Burnout is most commonly caused by stress, whether from work, personal life, or a combination of both. It is classified by fatigue, insomnia, irritability, anxiety, and depression symptoms.
So what employee well-being initiatives can managers implement to prevent burnout in their employees? Continue reading for tips on how to address burnout in the workplace.
Recognize the signs of burnout
Recognizing the signs of burnout in employees is essential for maintaining a healthy workplace. Some common symptoms include chronic fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and frequent absenteeism.
If a manager notices these signs in their employees, it’s essential to take action quickly. Providing support and encouraging a healthy work-life balance can help prevent burnout before it becomes a serious problem.
Encourage breaks throughout the day
In the fast-paced work environment, encouraging employees to take breaks throughout the day is more important than ever. While it may seem counterintuitive, regular intervals to relax between tasks can improve productivity and focus.
When employees work for long periods without a break, their brain receives overstimulation, and they lose the ability to concentrate on the task at hand. This can lead to performance errors and reduced productivity.
However, taking a few minutes to step away from work can help clear the mind and refocus attention. This can be done by taking a short walk, grabbing a cup of coffee, or simply sitting with co-workers for a few minutes.
Essentially, employees can return to their work with refreshed minds and better focus by taking some time to relax and rejuvenate. As a result, allowing employees to take breaks will ultimately lead to more productive work.
Delegate tasks whenever possible
As any manager knows, delegation is an essential part of effective leadership. Managers can get more work done by dividing tasks among subordinates. In addition, delegation can help to foster a sense of responsibility and ownership among employees.
Recognition is another essential tool for managers. When workers feel their accomplishments are noticed and valued, they are more likely to be motivated and engaged in their work. Managers can create a productive and positive work environment using delegation and recognition.
Provide support and guidance
Managers must offer support and guidance to employees. The availability of managers to answer questions and offer feedback can help employees feel more confident in their ability to perform their job adequately. Additionally, managers can provide resources and information that employees may need to be successful in their roles.
Additionally, businesses can foster a culture of engagement and commitment by providing the proper training, offering support to workers, extending rewards and incentives, and offering adequate supervision. When the staff feels supported, they are more likely to go above and beyond the call of duty to help the organization meet its goals.
Furthermore, by investing in employee development, organizations can ensure that the team has the required skills, resources, and knowledge to succeed in their roles.
Wrapping up
Workplace burnout is a problem that’s only getting worse. However, there are things managers can do to help prevent it. By creating a supportive environment, communicating effectively, and showing appreciation, managers can go a long way to avoid employee burnout.
