Have you ever felt so mentally and physically tapped out that you dreaded going to work? That’s burnout - one of the most searched terms on Google during the pandemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially classified it as an occupational phenomenon affecting the mental health of workers worldwide. In Canada, it is estimated that poor mental health costs the economy roughly $6.3 billion in lost productivity, with the cumulative costs tipping the scales at $2.5 trillion by 2041. Clearly, burnout disrupts more than just your professional life. Let’s dive into what burnout really means with actionable strategies to prevent it and keep your company running at peak performance.
What is Burnout?
The WHO defines burnout as “chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed”. In layman’s terms, it’s a response to ongoing emotional, physical, and interpersonal stress. As stress accumulates, employees become increasingly emotionally and physically drained.
This can lead to them feeling cynical about their work, which often leads to increasing apathy and decreasing productivity. In the workplace, stress comes from many sources, including team conflicts, tight deadlines, and heavy workloads. In our post-pandemic world, it’s safe to assume that the pervasive corporate attitude of “do more with less” is driving the burnout phenomenon.
How Burnout Impacts Employees
Burnout not only contributes to increased anxiety but can also have serious repercussions on physical health. It can cause high blood pressure, headaches, severe fatigue, and muscle and joint pain. As a result, workers typically become less efficient, more withdrawn, exhausted, and depressed. This can lead to low-quality work and mistakes - both minor and catastrophic.
All these factors can negatively impact employees' finances, including unexpected and often substantial expenses to address the fallout of work-related stress. For example, costly health care, medical emergencies, and even job loss can occur. If burnout prevents them from working, it can jeopardize their financial stability.
6 Easy Ways to Prevent Burnout
As HR professionals, you hold the key to a healthy, engaged, and thriving team. But burnout can easily derail your efforts. Below are 6 essential measures to implement in your company:
1. Prioritize Employee Well-Being & Stress Management
Understanding and supporting employee well-being is fundamental to your organization’s long-term success. When employees feel good and have a purpose, they manage stress better. Implement and prioritize initiatives that promote mental health, physical fitness, and overall well-being to create a resilient workforce.
2. Plan Recovery Time & Breaks
Encourage regular breaks and recovery time. Overworked employees are more susceptible to stress and burnout. Adjust workloads and set realistic expectations to prevent pushing your team beyond their limits. A well-rested employee is a more productive and creative one.
3. Recognize Employees
A recognition program can be a powerful weapon in the fight against burnout. Regularly acknowledge and celebrate your employees with things like tangible rewards, gifts, paid time off, unique experiences, and other forms of appreciation. This boosts morale and engagement. It is also foundational to a healthy and dynamic workplace environment.
4. Establish Social Connections
Social support is crucial. The more employees can trust and rely on others, the better off they will be. Build a close-knit community with team lunches, walking meetings, and team-building activities. Celebrate your employees and bring teams together to refresh and rejuvenate the company. Strong social connections at work can significantly reduce stress and increase job satisfaction.
5. Support Holistic Well-Being
True well-being extends far beyond just physical health. Implement programs that address the four pillars of holistic well-being: emotional, mental, social, and financial wellness. Comprehensive support helps employees manage stress more effectively, which enhances overall engagement and productivity.
6. Define Clear Expectations
Clarity reduces stress. Period. Ensure your employees know exactly what is expected of them while also respecting their boundaries. Concise, unambiguous expectations help your team feel more in control of their work and reduce the risk of burnout caused by role confusion, scope creep, and conflicts.
Employee Recognition & Burnout Prevention
Employee recognition is essential for maintaining a healthy, motivated workforce. Not having one can have serious repercussions. When done effectively, recognition improves company culture, promotes psychological safety, and reduces burnout. A 2023 study by Deloitte found that recognition is one of the top 3 most impactful leadership behaviours that promote employee wellness.
Accolad is Your Burnout Prevention Partner
A simple gift can make a significant difference. To prevent burnout, employee recognition is a valuable asset. Accolad stands out with innovative employee recognition solutions. Our impact goes beyond just gifts. By automating the distribution of personalized products and experiences, we help you maintain a positive work environment that promotes well-being and reduces burnout.
Additionally, our all-in-one platform allows you to import employee data, track their progress, and offer personalized gifts. Companies that partner with Accolad report significant improvements in both employee well-being and work quality. Ready to see how we can transform your workplace? Contact us today to discuss your specific needs with an expert.