{"id":3022,"date":"2023-05-10T17:33:39","date_gmt":"2023-05-10T17:33:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mhthrive.com\/?p=3022"},"modified":"2023-05-08T17:41:10","modified_gmt":"2023-05-08T17:41:10","slug":"how-to-deal-with-employee-burnout","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mhthrive.com\/how-to-deal-with-employee-burnout\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Deal With Employee Burnout"},"content":{"rendered":"

Burnout is an all-too-common issue in the workplace and can lead to a host of negative consequences that impact everything from a person\u2019s home life to their professional success. The cyclical nature of the workplace is counterproductive for many people and forces them into a state of unhappiness in many cases. Without proper interventions and support, employees are essentially set up for failure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re an employer, you need to be aware of what burnout is, the common scenarios that can cause it, and how to deal with it effectively to prevent it from impacting your workforce. Without addressing burnout, organizations are more likely to lose quality employees and experience diminished productivity.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Burnout?<\/h5>\n

Burnout is a holistic state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that results from prolonged stress and can occur when employees feel overwhelmed or unequipped to handle the demands of their job. It\u2019s important to distinguish that burnout is not the same as stress, which is just a normal response to challenging situations. That being said, chronic stress can lead to burnout if it continues for an extended period and isn\u2019t dealt with.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Common Scenarios That Can Cause Burnout<\/h5>\n

This issue is not a one-size-fits-all and the root of burnout can be different for everyone. In many cases, though, there are some common themes that contribute to the development of this condition. Some of the scenarios that contribute to employee burnout include:<\/span><\/p>\n

Excessive workload<\/b>: With too much work on their plate, employees can find themselves depleted. Feeling overwhelmed and unable to meet the demands of the job can cause employees to feel stressed and exhausted.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lack of control<\/b>: When employees feel that they have no say in how they do their job or have no control over their work environment, it can contribute to burnout. Feeling powerless can also lead to a sense of helplessness and frustration, which may push them to quit.<\/span><\/p>\n

Poor work-life balance<\/b>: Not having a balance between personal and professional responsibilities can be harmful to a person’s quality of life. Ultimately, this can make employees feel exhausted, stressed, and generally unhappy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Insufficient support<\/b>: When people feel that they don’t have enough support from their employer or colleagues, it can push them towards burnout. They are more likely to feel unmotivated as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Results of Burnout<\/h5>\n

Being burned out can lead to a range of negative outcomes, both for the employee and the employer. These results are both internal and external as well. For employees, burnout is known to cause physical and emotional symptoms, like chronic fatigue, headaches, anxiety, and depression. On top of this, it can lead to reduced job satisfaction, a lack of motivation, and an increase in absenteeism. Burnout has the ability to spill into all aspects of a person’s life, affecting their relationships, perceived quality of life, immune system, and more.<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, an employee that is burned out is not likely to have the energy to properly cultivate their familial relationships. This may cause them to suffer within their roles as a spouse or parent. Additionally, they are more likely to become ill frequently as chronic stress suppresses the immune system. As a result, they might miss work more frequently and are less equipped to help within their own home. This has the power to cause a spiral effect, decreasing their overall happiness with their life.<\/span><\/p>\n

For employers, burnout can lead to a decrease in productivity, a loss of quality employees, and increased healthcare or onboarding costs as a result. This can be stressful on the company as a whole and can affect their bottom line.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Deal with Burnout as an Employer<\/h5>\n

Dealing with employee burnout requires a proactive approach from employers as it requires being addressed beforehand as well. Here are some strategies that employers can use to prevent and address burnout in the workplace:<\/span><\/p>\n