Before we jump into what businesses can do to reduce burnout, I would like to, first, acknowledge the fact that burnout is not a new issue. The issue we are facing today, is the rate at which employees are feeling burnt out and the, overall, impact this has had on businesses and their ability to function on a daily basis. 

The past two years have taken a tremendous toll on the workforce.  Not only have job openings been on the rise but, with nearly 4.5 million workers leaving their jobs in November of 2021, there is an increased pressure on existing employees to perform.  The chronic stress and demand that employees face, has resulted in a higher risk of burnout, across the board.

So, as a business, what are some things you can do to reduce employee burnout? 

WAYS TO REDUCE EMPLOYEE BURNOUT

• Allow for Flexibility – As we continue to navigate through the impact that COVID-19 has had and continues to have on the workplace, it is important for businesses to allow for flexibility.  Some examples of this would be to allow employees to take mental health days, allow them to take some time off to care for their family and/or providing remote work options.  This flexibility will help to remove some of the stress that employees may feel, regarding the balance of work and life responsibilities and will provide employees with the opportunity to recuperate, before they burn out. 

• Invest in your Employees – Investing in the professional development of your employees is a great way to show your appreciation, while, at the same time, setting them up for success.  As employees work to figure out how to embrace new roles or responsibilities, it will be important for them to be equipped with the proper tools and strategies to handle those changes.  Training programs, such as the Utech Leadership Collective, teaches existing and emerging leaders how to facilitate and manage organizational change.  Investing in the development of your team will, not only help them to develop strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills, it will also allow them the opportunity to develop those around them, as they bring what they’ve learned, back to their team.  Learning to manage conflict and tension, through professional development, can help to decrease employee’s stress levels, thus, reducing the likelihood of burnout.  

• Provide a Sense of Purpose – A common approach that businesses take, to combat burnout, is by offering their employees gifts, bonuses and/or rewards.  While these things are nice and can, sometimes be enough to sustain employees, providing a sense of purpose can be much more effective.  The pandemic has caused many people to re-evaluate their lives.  Employees are looking for work that is meaningful to them.  If you can utilize your organizational culture and values, to connect with employees and provide them with a sense of purpose, they are more likely to stay committed and engaged.  

Employee burnout has always been a common workplace issue that organizations have had to deal with.  Adding a global pandemic into the mix, has dramatically increased the burnout factor.  Thankfully, there are some simple steps that businesses can take, to start curbing this issue.  Allowing for flexibility, investing in your employees and providing individuals with a sense of purpose, will show your employees that you care, while reducing the overall likeliness of employee burnout.      

With 30+ years of experience, our team of experts is here to help you thrive.  If you’re interested in learning more about what we offer or, if you would like some guidance around investing in your team, connect with the Utech team today!