Training for the Prevention of Workplace Burnout
While sporadic stress during high-pressure periods at work is normal, workplace burnout is a prolonged state of emotional disengagement from the job that can include a loss of motivation and hope in addition to stress. As an employer, you can't force your employees to become motivated. However, you can spot the warning signs at the beginning stages of workplace burnout and help alleviate some significant stressors that most commonly lead to it.
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Spot Warning Signs
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Early indicators of impending employee burnout include an increase in absenteeism and the number of mistakes made on the job. There may be a significant increase or decrease in breaks taken during shifts and the number of hours spent at the office. A significant change in attitude is another sign of impending employee burnout -- whether a typically cheerful and talkative employee has become silent and sullen, or a frequently quiet and contented employee has become loud and cynical.
Respond to Warning Signs
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Even if the source of an employee's change in behavior seems fairly obvious, such as a recent promotion that carries a heavy workload, check in with employees to get their take on their change in behavior. Showing concern for employees and acknowledging when they are in difficult positions can alleviate some of the stress that leads to burnout.
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Compensate Employees Fairly
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Even in difficult economic times, organizations can still compensate their employees without breaking the budget. If there's no money in the budget to give employees a raise after they've taken on more work than their position calls for, then substitute non-monetary compensation. Flex time, bonus vacation days, company stock options, or a better title that more accurately reflects the employee's additional responsibilities can serve as non-monetary compensation.
Encourage Adequate Breaks
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If you notice that the same employees who seem on the verge of burnout are also working through their breaks and lunch, encourage them to slow down and take a breather. Particularly during periods of job uncertainty, many employees feel the need to prove how busy they are by working overtime to avoid being laid off. They only end up burning out in the long run.
Switch Mundane Tasks
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If one employee is saddled with the bulk of the workplace's most despised or mundane tasks, distribute these responsibilities more evenly, to be rotated amongst other employees. Those who must go on a coffee run or clean the office kitchen every once in a while are less likely to burn out than the employee who has to do it every day.
Implement Healthy Workplace Programs
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Make healthy snacks available for the staff, particularly if they're in danger of burning out from overtime. A lunchtime yoga group or walking club are good measures for the preservation of physical and mental health in the workplace.
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References
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