Managing Workplace Burnout

Technology seems to have an ever-increasing role in the workplace. More and more of what we do can be automated, so one would think that workplace burnout would be steadily decreasing. That is not the case. Burnout at work is just as much of an issue today as it has ever been. As leaders, we’ve got to find ways to manage that burnout in ourselves and in our employees/coworkers.

It sounds simple enough, but it can be challenging to effectively manage that burnout while keeping your employees motivated to reach their goals at work. So, the next time you’re feeling it or you’re seeing it in others, here are a few strategies to consider:

Vacations

We’ll start with the most obvious strategy: get out of the office. We don’t mean for an hour or for a day, you need a complete shut-off from work. A lot of hard-working professionals consider vacations to be weakness or laziness but, in all honesty, vacations are an effective reset button when you’re burnt out.

Don’t let your employees and coworkers feel like they’re letting you down when they request vacations. Show them that it is acceptable and that you will miss the value they bring to the company while they’re gone. Don’t ask them to take calls or to constantly check their emails. A vacation is most effective in reducing burnout when they are completely disconnected from work for a period of time.

Pressure Release

Burnout tends to build over time and if you don’t relieve that pressure, it will eventually bubble over and spill out. Find a release for that pressure. In general, physical activity tends to reduce stress. It can be anything from gardening to hiking, running, or sports.  What exactly it is that you do doesn’t matter, as long as you do it consistently to let off steam.

Different Responsibilities

Burnout occurs not just from overwork but also from doing the same thing over and over for extended periods of time. How can you add to and mix up the responsibilities of your employees? Let them work with different clients or take one thing off of someone’s plate and put it on someone else’s. As a leader, it’s your job to make sure that no one person is taking on too much or too little. Change can be scary but it’s also exciting and it gives your employees opportunities to learn new skills and develop as professionals.

Make Work More Fun

We know. Work is work. But believe it or not, there are ways to make it more fun and exciting for people. A lot of different ways, actually. This could be anything from adding a ping-pong table to implementing games or challenges. For example, the next time you send your copywriter/s a project, tell them it must include an interesting word or phrase. Something weird like “flying squirrel” or “pinky toe.” It sounds silly, but coming up with lighthearted ways to challenge people helps to prevent burnout and makes repetitive tasks feel fresh. How can you incorporate some challenges or games that fit your industry or workplace?

Get Away From Your Desk

Believe it or not, doing the same work but in a different location from where you typically do it can prevent burnout. Implement some sort of schedule or allotted amount of time that employees can work away from their desks. Working from a coffee shop or poolside might not seem like it would make a difference, but working in a new setting can provide inspiration. Experiment with this. You might find that your employees’ quality of work improves.

Avoid working from home during this time if possible. Part of preventing burnout means separating work life and home life as much as you can.  

So, the next time you’re experiencing burnout at work or you’re starting to see signs of it in your employees, try some of these strategies. You’re likely to see happier and more motivated people around the office. Hit a roadblock for a new strategy to keep your employees from feeling burnout? Contact us, we would be happy to bring a fresh perspective to your organization.