Burnout is on the rise with the number of employees reporting feeling burnt out increasing by 12% to 46% this year, according to a recent Employee Sentiment Index.
While workplace burnout is now recognised as a medical condition that could also be considered a mental health issue, employees are hesitant to share their challenges with their employers. Most employees carry the burden themselves due to the stigma surrounding mental health, which leads to further decline in their performance, productivity and mental health.
Burnout can be caused by:
- Being overworked and underappreciated
- Lack of communication or poor communication
- Lack of support from management or co-workers
- Being micromanaged
- Feeling constantly connected to work
Each person has their own limits and responds to stress differently, and can experience burnout regardless of how long they have been with an organisation or at what stage of their career they’re in.
Are any of your employees stressed or experiencing burnout?
Some signs to look out for include:
- Decreased productivity and performance
- No longer coachable or open to feedback
- Argumentative and openly speak negatively about the company’
- Increased absenteeism
- Complaining about clients
- Emotionally on edge
Emotions are contagious and whether positive or negative will impact everyone within the workplace.
You may be experiencing burnout yourself! Making your own health a priority and leading by example is the first step to supporting your staff to manage their stress. According to WHO, burnout can lead to depression, heart disease, diabetes and other serious illnesses if left untreated.
Demonstrate compassion, understanding, and optimism, encourage rest and recuperation amongst staff, and be sure to address any known causes of stress and burnout in your workplace
Not only is supporting your employee’s mental health the right thing to do, it also improves productivity and organisational loyalty. In today’s competitive and uncertain market, talent retention and employee satisfaction are vital.
Get in touch if you need help managing burnout in your workplace.
