Are you dealing with a once enthusiastic, high-functioning employee who now struggles with punctuality and job performance? If so, they may be experiencing employee burnout—a condition detrimental to individual productivity and overall office morale.
Understanding Employee Burnout
Burnout can spiral out of control like a smoldering flame if not addressed promptly.
A recent report from Indeed found that employee burnout is rising: 52% of all workers feel burned out, up +9% from a pre-COVID survey. Employees of all ages and types are experiencing the impact of stress, fatigue, and mental health challenges.
Furthermore, burnout leads to high healthcare costs, ranging from $125-190 billion annually.
Lifecycle and Signs
- Exhaustion: Early stage marked by persistent tiredness.
- Mistakes and Oversights Reduced performance and increased errors.
- Sensitivity to Criticism: Increased defensiveness in response to feedback.
- Isolation: Withdrawal from colleagues and company activities.
- Cynicism: Growing negativity towards the job and environment.
- Absenteeism: Increased frequency of sick days and time off.
Key Interventions
- Managers and peers must be vigilant for signs of burnout, such as sudden changes in behavior or decreased productivity.
- Engage with employees showing signs of burnout to explore underlying issues and concerns.
- Ensure adequate resources and support are available, recognizing the unique challenges faced by different demographic groups, such as women and younger employees, who report higher rates of burnout.
Prevention Strategies
- Adequately distribute responsibilities to prevent overload. When individuals resign or layoffs occur, don’t automatically give the remaining workload to existing employees. Hire temporary workers or take on the workload as an executive or manager.
- Hold constructive feedback sessions to address potential stressors. Figure out what your employees need, then do everything possible to give them what they want.
- Manage stress through simple changes. If needed, provide access to professional help through your company’s Employees Assistance Program.
- Implementing flexible or hybrid work schedules can significantly reduce burnout.
The impact of employee burnout extends beyond individual employees, affecting organizational health and productivity. By recognizing the signs early and implementing effective intervention strategies, organizations can mitigate the risks associated with burnout and foster a healthier, more productive workplace environment.
Timothy Dimoff Understands Workforce Burnout Challenges
Tim’s HR-related topics can help any organization understand the warning signs presented by employees and the steps needed to nurture a positive workplace environment beneficial for all. Contact Tim to schedule a presentation or training today!
