If you’ve ever caught yourself asking, “What’s the point?” after a long day at work, you may be experiencing burnout. Burnout is emotional, physical and mental fatigue caused by extended periods of stress and overwork. It can leave employees feeling hopelessly overwhelmed, unmotivated, and unfulfilled.
Unfortunately, burnout is a huge problem in the workplace that can lead to decreased productivity, poor performance, and even employee turnover. Keep reading to learn more about how to spot burnout in your team and what you can do to prevent it from happening.
Signs of Burnout
Burnout manifests itself in different ways for each individual. However, there are some common red flags that suggest someone may be struggling with burnout.
- difficulty concentrating
- mood swings
- changes in sleep patterns (yawning more often)
- appetite modified (eating more or less, change in types of foods eating)
- caffeine increased
- wanting to isolate yourself
- feeling negative and cynical
- questioning how you fit in
Then there are the physical symptoms:
- headaches
- digestive issues
- loss of motivation or enthusiasm for work-related tasks
- general feelings of exhaustion or apathy
- illness’s more frequently.
If you notice any of these signs in your team members, it’s important to take action right away in order to prevent further damage down the line. Consider implementing some of the strategies outlined below to help reduce stress levels and create a healthier work environment for everyone involved.
Strategies for Prevention
The best way to combat burnout is prevention!
- Make sure every employee has regular access to mental health resources such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) or Mental Health First Aiders
- Encourage team members to take regular breaks throughout the day and encourage them to use their paid time off if necessary.
- Talk openly about stress management techniques like meditation, breathing or exercise and be sure to recognise their accomplishments often so they know their hard work is valued!
- Ensure to give clear instructions and feedback and reward team members equally.
Finally, create an environment that values collaboration over competition; this will help foster a sense of community among your team members rather than a culture where everyone is competing against one another for recognition or rewards.
No one should have to suffer from burnout. Fortunately, managers have the power to recognise the signs early and take steps towards prevention before it becomes too late! By providing resources for mental health support and creating an environment that values collaboration instead of competition – managers can create a space where their team members feel supported and motivated without having to worry about burning out on the job. Don’t wait until it's too late – start taking action now!
If you feel like you need extra support in making these changes, don't hesitate to reach out. Book in a time to chat with Hana or follow her on: Facebook Instagram or LinkedIn
