How to Create a Burnout-Free Workplace

Employee burnout can happen when the economy is tight and staff has to be pared down to a bare minimum. It can also occur when things are booming and everyone has more than enough work on their plates. The scary aspect of staff burnout is that it generally happens to your best workers. They trudge along without complaining, burning both ends of the candle until they are out of steam. Preventing burnout is imperative when it comes to employee retention.

Instructions

1. Meet with staff members individually. Talk to each one candidly about his or her perception of workplace morale and his or her individual performance. Ask for any thoughts, ideas or insights to boost production and staff attitudes.

2. Provide as much notice as you possibly can if overtime is going to be required. Reward employees who are willing to take on overtime with a meal or gift card or by allowing them to dress casually.

3. Allow employees to talk with, joke with or IM each other while on the clock, as long as their work is getting done. This will help build relationships, fostering a sense of unity and teamwork. It also helps staff vent and de-stress.

4. Make training and advancement opportunities available. If employees feel as though they are in a dead-end job, they are much more likely to suffer from burnout. Look for community organizations that offer low-cost training related to your field and make staff aware that your company will cover the cost if they are interested.

5. Offer healthful snacks for your staff to grab in the lunchroom or break room. Stock a bowl of fresh fruit, stash bottles of juice and water in the fridge, and keep single serving size bags of pretzels and baked potato chips in a basket on the table. Little touches like this help make your employees feel cared for and appreciated.

Tips & Warnings

• Know the signs to watch for. Employees might be experiencing burnout if there is a sudden decrease in productivity and increase in missed days.

• Don't allow one bad apple to spoil the bunch. If you have one employee who is bad-mouthing the business and bringing down morale, speak to him or her and take necessary action to stop the behavior.

Resources

• Allow employees choose their own rewards