Understanding Employee Burnout and How to Manage It
Employee burnout remains a growing concern affecting the productivity and morale of the workforce. While burnout is showcased differently depending on the individual, it is often caused by a heavy workload, long hours, and personal stressors. Consistent burnout is a red flag for both employees and employers, indicating that something isn’t working or needs adjustment, as it can lead to more significant issues in the long run.
Recognizing the causes and symptoms of burnout is the first step toward creating a healthy and productive work environment.
What Causes Employee Burnout?
While there isn’t just one root cause of burnout, there are several common factors that contribute to it.
Lack of clarity on job responsibilities
When employees are unsure of what’s expected of them, it creates confusion and stress. They may stumble through their work, constantly worrying about whether they are performing their duties correctly or not, which can lead to errors, missing tasks, and inconsistency.
Lack of support
A workplace without adequate support from leadership, peers, or upper-level management can leave employees feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and unable to perform their job responsibilities to the best of their ability.
Poor work-life balance
When work consistently spills into personal time, it becomes difficult for employees to rest. Employees need to have boundaries between their personal and professional lives. Without proper time away from work, they will be unable to relax and recharge, effectively reducing productivity.
Heavy workloads
Constantly juggling too many tasks can lead to mental and physical exhaustion. When employees are overwhelmed, they are more likely to make a mistake or miss deadlines.
What Burnout Looks Like
Burnout builds over time, often showing up in subtle ways before becoming more serious. If you see your employees consistently showing the following symptoms, it might be a sign that they are experiencing burnout. Common symptoms include:
- Exhaustion and fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Depression
- Reduced productivity and engagement
If left unaddressed, these symptoms can lead to long-term health issues, reduced morale, low productivity, and increased turnover.
How to Combat Burnout in the Workplace
Burnout is preventable and manageable with the right strategies in place. Here are some effective ways organizations can support their teams.
Promote Work-Life Balance
A culture that respects personal time fosters healthier, more engaged employees. Consider implementing paid time off (PTO) policies or flexible scheduling to allow your employees more availability to relax or focus on what is important to them. Allowing your workforce more control over how they spend their time can deepen the trust and loyalty between employee and employer.
Implement Employee Assistance Programs
Burnout isn’t always physical. It can exhibit as a lack of motivation or difficulty concentrating. With an employee assistance program (EAP), your employees have another outlet for emotional and mental relief. EAPs provide confidential support for employees dealing with stress, mental health issues, or personal challenges. Implementing an EAP showcases your dedication to employee well-being while simultaneously providing support where it’s needed.
Open the Lines of Communication
You won’t know the extent of your employees’ struggles until you have a conversation with them. Consistently scheduling one-on-one meetings or company-wide town halls can improve interdepartmental communication, loyalty, and trust. By opening up communication channels, you are showcasing your dedication to employee health and well-being. This also allows you to proactively address workforce concerns, implement solutions that can reduce turnover, and improve morale.
Reduce the Risk of Employee Burnout with GMS
Burnout is not just an individual problem; it’s a workplace challenge that affects everyone. By recognizing the signs early and taking appropriate action, organizations can create a culture of well-being, trust, and long-term success. However, finding and implementing effective solutions can be challenging, which is where Group Management Services (GMS) comes in.
When you partner with GMS, you gain access to a top-tier EAP provider as part of a comprehensive benefits package. Our team manages EAP administration, allowing you the time to focus on your business growth. Our HR team also supports business owners in implementing PTO policies and can provide guidance on benefits administration, healthcare policies, and more. With the right support and expertise, your workforce can grow, thrive, and succeed.