In today’s workplace, burnout is all too common—an exhaustion fueled by prolonged stress. Knowing how to recognize the signs can help manage burnout and improve the work environment for your employees. 

Burnout is defined as a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It can have detrimental effects on both employees and organizations. However, job burnout may be effectively managed and prevented with techniques and support systems in the workplace. 

Common contributors to burnout include: 

  1. Unmanageable workload 
  2. Lack of role clarity 
  3. Lack of communication and support from managers/leaders 
  4. Unreasonable time pressure 

It’s important to understand that employee burnout can occur for both in-office or remote team members. Leaders who consistently experience high levels of stress may inadvertently be adding pressure to their employees without taking steps to manage or reduce it. This can eventually lead to employees feeling less motivated in their roles. 

Fortunately, employee burnout can be prevented with implemented solutions! Here are some strategies that can help.

  1. Supportive Work Environment – Encourage employee engagement while also letting them know they matter. Not every employee is the same. Allow your employees to have a say in how they accomplish their daily tasks. Employees are more likely to have higher retention rates when they feel supported and valued by company leaders.
  2. Promote Work-Life Balance – Achieving work-life balance can be done in a variety of different ways. Encourage employees to take regular breaks during work hours, use their vacation time to rest and refresh, prioritize self-care, and set boundaries between work and personal life.  
  3. Clarify Roles and Expectations – Vagueness and uncertainty in job roles and expectations can contribute to feelings of stress and burnout. Ensure that employees understand their responsibilities and objectives, while setting realistic expectations. Give employees regular feedback and encouragement so they can successfully navigate their responsibilities and feel empowered. 
  4. Time Management and Prioritization – To improve productivity and reduce feelings of being overwhelmed, encourage the use of tools and strategies, such as time blocking, prioritizing matrix, and to-do lists. Support employees in learning efficient time management techniques and assigning work according to urgency and priority. 
  5. Promote Wellness Initiatives – Provide your employees with workplace wellness online programs or resources that enhance their emotional, mental, and physical health. Encouraging regular exercise, healthy eating, and stress-reduction techniques can help employees better cope with workplace stressors.  
  6. Outsourcing Services and Projects – Outsourcing can bring in specialized expertise, easing the burden on employees who may otherwise struggle with tasks outside their skill set.  

Recognizing common contributors to burnout, such as unmanageable workloads, lack of role clarity, and inadequate support, is the first step in reducing and managing it. Company leaders can reframe the way their employees feel about their jobs by creating a supportive work environment where employees feel empowered to share their concerns and ask for help.

By establishing a high priority on the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of employees, companies will create a productive work environment where staff members feel appreciated, encouraged, and driven to achieve – ultimately leading to a reduction in employee turnover. Through collaborative efforts and commitment to employee wellness, companies can mitigate the occurrence of burnout and cultivate a healthier, more sustainable work environment for all.

Gordian Staffing helps you manage your business and staffing needs so you can focus on other core business responsibilities. For more guidance or questions related to outsourcing services and projects, contact our team today!