Many workers, in the course of their daily routines, have developed habits that cause them to feel overburdened. That’s because routines include repetitive behaviors and activities, and many of them are stressful. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), burnout rates rose noticeably in 2021. While this may have had something to do with the pandemic, burnout is not a new and emerging condition.
When someone is physically and mentally weary, mistakes happen and the motivational level wanes. There are several things companies and workers can do to combat this issue. For instance, creating an ergonomically friendly workspace, and avoiding cognitive overload and unnecessary stress. Managers can be both an advocate for and educator to workers on these fronts.
Use Ergonomically Styled Furnishings and Equipment
Did you know that 30% of the days missed at work in 2018 were due to ergonomic injuries? Therefore, it’s important to make sure your staff are comfortable when working. Poor ergonomics can keep people from being happy and productive.
Whether your team members work onsite or remotely, it’s crucial to prioritize their physical wellbeing. Invest in items, such as:
- Wrist rests
- Laptop stands
- Gel mats
- Stand-up desks
Establish Limits for Your Team
Some employees believe they must be “always-on” or available at work or when they’ve called it a day. When people feel this way, they can neglect the necessary process of resting and rejuvenating. This type of feeling can lead to burnout or exhaustion.
To overcome this type of attitude, set clear guidelines about when employees should work. To enforce this notion, mute platforms, such as Slack, as well as phone and email communications during non-working hours.
Adjust the Workloads
Needless to say, burnout among employees often results in unreasonable deadlines. To make things more equitable, it helps to do the following:
● Hire additional personnel
● Use outsourced contractors
● Arrange face-to-face meetings for anyone requiring additional assistance
● Take on some tasks yourself, or assign work to employees with more time
● Encourage your team to use vacation days
● Implement paid time off (PTO) and make it a part of your company’s policy
● Don’t contact employees during their days off – arrange things so your employees can totally recuperate
Set Up Flexible Working Arrangements
One mental health poll from FlexJobs showed that employees want employers to provide a flexible working arrangement for their workday. Offering remote work is one way to do this.
Hybrid solutions, where employees can work remotely and on-site, are quite popular with employees as well. Adding flexible options has been shown to increase retention rates and reduce work-related stress and anxiety.
Schedule Ongoing Training for Managers and Employees
Another recent Flexjobs poll found that one of the main causes of employee departure is poor management. While supervisors should receive regular mentoring, employees too require training to perform their duties properly.
Mentor your leaders in dispute resolution, goal-setting, and leadership. To effectively manage staff burnout, concentrate on raising the EQ (emotional quotient, often known as emotional intelligence) of your leaders.
Lead by Example
If you provide ergonomic furnishings or PTO, you should, like your employees, use these amenities too. Motivate your employees to work regular hours or take time off like you do. Follow your own rules so both you and your employees can enjoy healthier and more quality lives.
Final Thoughts on “Burnout”
One survey that Eagle Hill Consulting conducted in 2020 found 36% of employees felt their company did little to combat problems with burnout. While you can easily dismiss the indeed, staff fatigue does indeed negatively impact your workplace culture.
Although burnout is not something that will entirely go away, you can still do your part in decreasing the levels of stress for your employees. Use the above information to improve employee output and make your workplace a more pleasant and productive venue in which to work.
Great Northern Helps Injured Workers Recover
Great Northern Therapy Associates uses telehealth every day as part of our mission to improve the lives of injured workers. We have therapists throughout many states who can meet via remotely (and in person, if preferred), to work with injured workers and develop an individualized plan to help them adjust and successfully return to work.
We have partnered with and provided mental health support to workers at some of the largest companies in the world. But, at our core, we are still “people taking care of people,” one person at a time. Contact us today by filling out a form (below), submitting a referral, or calling us at the number below.