According to Microsoft’s latest Work Trends Index, Australian workers are facing significantly higher level of burnout (62%) at work compared to the global average (48%). As the year reaches its midpoint, the pressure to achieve ambitious targets and handle increasing responsibilities can significantly impact employees’ mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. potentially leading to increased absenteeism, burnout and staff turnover.
You may have observed a rise in sick day requests or noticed team members’ disengagement during meetings, both of which may indicate the early signs of trouble within the team. According to a recent Seek report, over three in five Australians have experienced burnout at some stage, and 59% of employees have observed signs of burnout in their colleagues.
Burnout, characterised by exhaustion, cynicism and decreased efficiency, not only hampers individual productivity but also may have broader effects on team dynamics, employee retention, and overall company morale.
Around the world businesses are now recognising the crucial role of a healthy workforce in sustaining long-term success. Businesses are adopting new strategies and cultivating a culture of empathy, promoting work-life balance, managing workloads, and implementing comprehensive wellbeing programs to empower their employees to combat burnout successfully.
Here are some practical tips for businesses to go beyond superficial solutions and address the root causes of burnout.
1. Cultivate a Culture of Empathy
A workplace culture that prioritises compassion lays the groundwork for supporting employees during difficult periods. It’s important to foster an environment of open communication in which team members can freely express their concerns without worrying about negative consequences.
Leaders play a crucial role in reducing burnout by actively listening to employees, showing empathy, and providing practical solutions to help alleviate any problems within the workplace. By doing so, employers can create a supportive and understanding atmosphere that promotes the well-being and resilience of the entire team.
2. Conduct Meaningful One-on-One Meetings
Regularly conducting one-on-one meetings with employees, such as weekly or fortnightly catch-ups, creates a dedicated space for discussion and future planning. These one-on-one sessions can be instrumental in promoting open communication and offer an ideal opportunity for team members to express their true feelings and emotions.
Meaningful one-on-one contact can help foster a safe and transparent work environment, enabling discussions about challenges and stressors that may contribute to employee burnout.
3. Educate Staff about Recognising Burnout
During your team meetings, initiate a discussion about the possible signs of burnout that employees may be displaying. Employees may not exhibit overt burnout symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, or inability to concentrate at work; burnout can be more subtle and less evident to managers.
You can bring up stress and burnout in a meeting and invite staff to disclose any difficulties they are having in private. Managers can work together to build an action plan to help support affected employees. Encouraging employees to communicate their roadblocks and problems openly can help in the plan building process. Helping employees to restore or develop a healthy work-life balance can also greatly aid in reducing instances of burnout. It’s crucial to address signs of burnout early to prevent it from becoming a serious issue.
4. Promote Work-Life Balance
Promoting a healthy work-life balance is crucial for preventing or addressing burnout. Giving employees flexible working hours and remote work opportunities can help them manage personal commitments effectively. It’s important to encourage employees to disconnect from work during non-working hours and utilise their annual leaves or sick days to take time off and recharge.
By prioritising employee wellbeing and personal time, you can create a supportive work environment that reduces the risk of burnout and fosters overall employee satisfaction.
5. Implement Employee Wellbeing Programs
Invest in comprehensive wellbeing programs that encompass physical, mental, and emotional aspects of employee health. Provide staff access to wellness activities such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness workshops to help foster a supportive environment for stress management and rejuvenation.
Encouraging employees to dedicate time to wellness activities sends a powerful message that their wellbeing is a top priority for the organisation.
6. Encourage Skill Development
Encouraging and supporting employees to expand their skill sets and pursue professional growth keeps them engaged, motivated, and less susceptible to burnout. Provide opportunities for skill development and personal growth to empower employees to tackle challenges with confidence.
When employees feel competent and well-prepared to handle their tasks, it enhances their self-esteem and reduces the likelihood of burnout.
7. Recognise and Appreciate Efforts
Acknowledging the valuable contributions made by employees and expressing genuine appreciation helps maintain a positive work environment. Recognising employee efforts creates a sense of validation and belonging, making employees feel valued and respected.
Recognition directly impacts employee engagement, leading to increased productivity and performance while reducing work related stress and burnout. Engaged employees are more invested in the company’s success, resulting in a more motivated and satisfied workforce.
