Burnout has become a pervasive issue in today’s workplace, with 76% of employees reporting burnout even before the pandemic. The ongoing stresses of new work dynamics, economic concerns, and work-life imbalance have only intensified this problem. That’s why all businesses should improve employee well-being and prevent workplace burnout.
To effectively manage employee productivity, businesses should understand the causes of burnout. Identifying what is responsible for burnout fosters a healthier and more productive workforce.
Keep reading to learn how to improve employee well-being and prevent workplace burnout. We have expert solutions that will eventually increase your employee’s productivity.
What is Burnout?
Burnout occurs when individuals experience chronic stress, leading to physical and mental exhaustion. The three main symptoms of burnout are exhaustion, cynicism, and inefficacy.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly contributed to the rise in employee burnout rates, workplace burnout is not new. The term “burnout” was coined by a psychoanalyst in the 1970s, and in 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognized burnout as an “occupational phenomenon.”
The Challenges Faced by the Employees
In the fall of 2020, research by Harvard Business Review found concerning data regarding the state of the labour market.
- 85% of the respondents said their well-being had declined
- 89% said their work lives were getting worse
- 62% said they had trouble managing their workload and had burned out during the preceding three months.
Although the transition to remote and hybrid work modes has led to longer workdays on average, this problem existed long before the pandemic. Over a year, Kenyans put in more hours than people in other counterpart countries.
Gallup has identified five leading causes of burnout:
- lack of support
- unfair treatment
- unmanageable workloads
- unreasonable time pressure
- unclear communication from managers
When these issues are neglected, they increase stress and a higher risk of workplace burnout among employees.
The Significance of Stress and Burnout in Workplace
Stress and burnout impact organizations on several levels, in addition to individual well-being. Overworking and chronic stress have been related to poor physical health and a higher chance of death.
Work-related stress leads to 120,000 deaths in the United States alone each year. Working more than 55 hours per week, according to WHO research published in 2021, increases the risk of stroke and heart disease.
Work-related stress disorders such as depression and anxiety are economically expensive. They are predicted to cost businesses $1 trillion annually. These expenses include healthcare costs, lower productivity, and higher staff turnover.
Considering the significance of workplace burnout, businesses should be on the lookout to improve employee well-being. This will, in turn, help improve the employee’s productivity, hence increasing the business’s chances of success.
Prevent Burnout at Work: Strategies for Organizations
To effectively prevent burnout at work, companies must approach the issue at an organizational level rather than solely relying on individual efforts. Improving employee well-being benefits and encouraging self-care is essential. However, organizations must take responsibility to prevent workplace burnout and build structural resilience within their workforce.
Here are three key strategies to improve employee well-being and reduce workplace burnout:
#1. Communicate expectations to employees
According to Gallup, one of the leading causes of workplace burnout is unclear communication from managers. Organizations must set realistic and achievable goals at the business level and within teams and individual employees.
When employees understand the impact of their work, performance metrics, and company processes, they are less likely to become frustrated and disengaged. Therefore, leaders should clearly articulate how employees’ work contributes to the organization’s goals and addresses real problems. Even small initiatives can have a significant impact.
Leaders must maintain reasonable and flexible expectations for workforce adaptation during increased stress. Supporting workers who may require additional time and interventions for stress mitigation is critical.
#2. Create opportunities for meaningful connection
Workplace isolation can contribute to burnout, while collaboration and meaningful connections can mitigate it. Co-workers provide essential emotional support and often better understand the stress of a job than managers do.
Whether teams work remotely or in an office setting, creating opportunities for collaboration and connection is crucial. This can include providing collaboration spaces, both physical and through digital technologies, and facilitating peer-driven support groups. Simple activities like team-building exercises, virtual happy hours, or coffee dates can foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie among team members.
#3. Promote employee engagement to prevent burnout at work
Establishing psychological safety in the workplace is critical to increasing resilience and preventing workplace burnout. When employees feel safe to express themselves without fear of negative consequences, they are more engaged and collaborative.
Active listening by managers is essential, as it demonstrates professional investment and personal respect. Employees who feel heard and supported are less likely to experience burnout.
#4. Encourage Flexible Work Environments
As an organization, you should give your employees flexible work environments, such as working remotely. Since 2020, during the Coronavirus outbreak, most companies have adopted remote work terminologies. As a result, employees have also learned to work under less supervision, hence delivering outstanding results.
You can utilize digital technologies like the Balozy platform to manage your service business remotely.
#5. Provide Feedback to prevent burnout at work place
Feedback is an essential aspect that can help prevent workplace burnout. When employees know where they have wronged, they can easily rectify and grow their careers.
On the other end, positive feedback and ratings help to boost your employee’s morale. As a result, they can confidently bring new ideas to your business.
That’s why we all value customer ratings on the Balozy platform. For instance, clients can leave reviews on service providers’ Balozy profiles.
The Importance of Preventing Workplace Burnout
- It improves employee productivity since they have hope in their jobs
- Increases innovation in the business since employees have less stress
- Promotes a culture of growth in the organization
- Businesses with no employee burnout are likely to succeed
- It improves the general employee well-being; it’s a win-win situation.
Prevent Burnout at Work: The Wrap-Up
Burnout is an alarming issue affecting the modern workforce, adversely affecting employees and organizations. Prioritizing employee well-being is the right thing to do and essential for sustained success in today’s tumultuous times. Preventing burnout can create a healthier work environment, enhance employee engagement, improve performance, increase retention rates, and achieve better business outcomes.
Balozy Can Help
Discover a better work-life balance and prevent workplace burnout. Join Balozy today and take charge of your schedule, set your hours, and find new clients in your area. Take charge of your well-being and thrive in your profession.
