Employee burnout can have a deep and costly impact on a business, including reduced productivity, high turnover and, in some cases, increased safety hazards.

Burnout isn’t just caused by heavy workloads; often it is a symptom of deeper organizational and managerial issues. Here are just some of the precautions you should take to avoid employee burnout in your company:

  • Allow for breaks. Employees who feel burnt out often need a break. Encourage employees to take time off when they need it. If you have an especially busy period where it’s impossible to approve time off, provide a light at the end of the tunnel with bonus PTO.
  • Vary their work. Repetitive and unchallenging jobs can often lead to burnout. Talk to employees about ways to shake things up. Whether its new projects they can take on, added training, process improvements.
  • Assess feasibility of deadlines and goals. When employees are struggling with their workloads and are at risk of burning out, it’s important to reassess your business goals and any set deadlines. Are they realistic? Can you provide an extension? Do you need to hire temporary staff to help reach those goals?
  • Provide necessary tools and resources. Having inadequate tools for your job can increase job frustrations. Things like a slow computer or outdated software can sour employee satisfaction and lower productivity more than you think.
  • Consider flexible work arrangements. Create greater work-life balance opportunities by offering flexible work options. Not all roles can take advantage of telecommuting or flexible schedules, but even simply having a culture which is open to accommodating family/personal responsibilities will be appreciated.
  • Have open dialogue. Make sure your employees feel comfortable coming to you with any concerns they have so you can tackle any issues early. This also means creating a clear stream of communication both ways. Ensure your employees understand expectations, goals and how their work creates an impact.
  • Hire for job fit. The key to avoiding employee burnout comes before you even hire someone. Don’t just hire for skill, it’s important to consider all aspects that make someone successful in that particular role. Are there certain qualities and personality traits you should look for? For example, how quickly do they adapt to change? Can they work in high-stress environments? Behavioural assessments can be used to give you valuable objective insight during the hiring process.

Burnout is a complicated issue which can effect employees at all levels. These tips will help your employees feel more supported as they face challenges in their job.

If your company is struggling with employee burnout, contact us to discuss what staffing solutions we can provide to help alleviate some of the pressure.

 

Photo Credit: Skley