According to the American Psychological Association, workplace burnout is an occupation-related syndrome resulting from mismanaged chronic stress. This is a growing problem among the workforce, due to longer hours of operation and greater workloads.
Common symptoms of burnout are prolonged emotional exhaustion, physical fatigue, and social withdrawal. As a business owner, you need to observe the potential signs of burnout in your employees, as burnout can reduce productivity, increase turnover and absenteeism, lower job satisfaction, and more. While there are different types of burnout, they can all be traced back to one source: stress.
How can you lower the risk of employee burnout and reduce stress in the workplace? Continue reading to find out.
What Employee Burnout Looks Like
Workplace burnout looks different for every employee. For example, one employee may start experiencing painful headaches while another develops insomnia. While every case of burnout is different, there are a variety of common symptoms that, as an employer, you should keep an eye out for:
- Job dissatisfaction
- Absenteeism
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Changes in appetite
- Headaches
- And more
Causes of Burnout
Burnout is caused by exhaustion, overexertion, and stress. Depending on the workplace and the job position, the cause can vary. Burnout can be caused by a heavy workload, interpersonal conflict, lack of professional support, and lack of clarity on job responsibilities. Experiencing any of the previously mentioned causes for a prolonged period of time can take its toll on your mental, physical, and emotional health.
Effects of Burnout on Employers
The importance of managing employee stress and burnout cannot be overstated. According to Glassdoor, employee reviews mentioning burnout have increased 32% over the past year. Not only are employees experiencing greater rates of exhaustion and burnout, but they are becoming more vocal about it. Glassdoor also found that workers suffering from burnout are substantially less satisfied with their employers. Workplace dissatisfaction can increase employee absenteeism, reduce productivity and loyalty, leading to greater turnover rates.
To keep morale high, employers must examine how they currently manage their workers' paid time off (PTO), support their work-life balance initiatives, and offer flexible schedules.
Ways to Reduce Employee Burnout
To protect your employees and business from burnout, it’s a good idea to have some coping strategies and policies in your back pocket. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to reducing burnout, but consistently communicating with your employees about their workload is a great first step. By showing your workers that you care about their well-being and health, they will have a greater sense of loyalty to your company, effectively reducing turnover.
Another great way to reduce the risk of employee burnout is by supporting their work-life balance. By promoting flexible scheduling, implementing work-from-home policies, or providing PTO, you can showcase your investment in their lives and their wellness, which can improve employee trust.
Check out some more examples of how to reduce employee burnout:
- Monitor workloads and scheduling
- Schedule more employee check-ins
- Offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
- Prioritize employee feedback
- Partner with a certified professional employer organization (CPEO)
How GMS Can Reduce the Risk of Employee Burnout
A CPEO like Group Management Services (GMS) can be a valuable resource for significantly reducing employee burnout and improving morale. GMS offers top-tier HR technology that simplifies employee management, including administering health benefits, scheduling payroll, and providing training.
Additionally, GMS has a dedicated team that can assist in developing employee assistance programs. These programs help employees build coping strategies and effectively manage stress. Our experts can also help create policies designed to keep your workforce healthy and productive.
Want to learn more about how GMS can help you reduce the risk of employee burnout? Contact us today!