"If you have ever seen a building that has been burned out, you know it's a devastating sight. What had once been a throbbing, vital structure is now deserted. Where there had once been activity, there are now only crumbling reminders of energy and life. Some bricks or concrete may be left; some outline of windows. Indeed, the outer shell may seem almost intact. Only if you venture inside will you be struck by the full force of the desolation.”
-Excerpt from Burn-Out: The High Cost of Achievement, Dr. Herbert Freudenberger
Employee burnout is not new, as it is a recognized syndrome that individuals experience in industries across the board. Although it was not officially identified and accepted by society until the 1980’s, thanks to the work of Dr. Herbert Freudenberger, it is now considered to be one of the most significant issues affecting employees today. In fact, the American Institute of Stress has concluded that “workplace stress costs more than $300 billion each year in health care, missed work and stress-reduction.” While some people may never experience burnout at work, employers and coworkers should learn the signs of burnout and how it can be resolved, before it affects the entire team!
Signs of Burnout
The key to preventing employee burnout is to identify and resolve it before it becomes a significant problem. As Dr. Freudenberger has explained how the actual damage of a house after a fire can only be seen once inside, this metaphor can be applied to recognizing burnout in employees and acknowledging the extent of the issue. Although revealing the cause and overall scope of employee burnout may seem like a daunting task, there are a few warning signs; however, that can be identified early on.
*Anxiety
*Irritability
*Fluctuations in weight
*Illness
*Absence
*Cynicism towards work
*Lack of drive and effort
*Reduced quality of work
A busy schedule paired with a lack of sleep is commonly believed to be one of the leading causes of employee burnout, but this is not the case. It has been determined that three main factors can contribute to burnout! A lack of work/ life balance, perfectionism and the need to overachieve, and work-related stresses such as lack of recognition and distrust in the leadership team, can cause burnout to develop. Once an employee begins to experience burnout, not only does their work begin to suffer, but their emotional and mental well-being does as well.
How Does Employee Burnout Affect Your Team?
While burnout may only affect one or two members of your team, its effects can be felt across the entire company. What is described as feeling mentally and physically exhausted, burnout syndrome can also cause individuals to feel as if they have a lack of control over their jobs, causing them to lose confidence in their abilities. Not only do these individuals question the quality of their work, but they feel as if they are not contributing to the success of the team. Unplanned absences and poor attitude in the workplace also leave other team members picking up the slack and feeling uncomfortable as they do not know how to help or encourage a colleague who is struggling with this syndrome. While employee burnout it not contagious; if one team member is experiencing burnout, it will have adverse effects on fellow teammates if it goes unidentified, discussed or resolved.
Preventing Burnout
The question to answer then is, “How can you prevent burnout from affecting your team?” While it may be difficult to recognize burnout amongst your employees, there are several ways that you can create an atmosphere that helps individuals verbalize their concerns and struggles, so that they can start the healing process.
Listen to Concerns
Through implementing an open door policy, team members can express their concerns and frustrations with management openly. Not only does this alert the leadership team to issues that are taking place within the company or specific departments, but it gives the person a safe place to speak freely. At TRAFFIX, we implement this strategy and have been able to identify and resolve critical issues before they affect the entire team.
Create a Healthy Environment
Your team works hard to achieve growth and success! When that success is not recognized or appreciated, it can cause individuals to lose motivation and passion for their job. To combat this, not only do we celebrate and share the successes of our team members, but we provide an environment that facilitates healthy living and stress relief. From free gym memberships at Goodlife Fitness to a community garden where people can spend a few minutes to think and de-stress to dogs on site to interact with, we work to help employees release the stress and pressures of the day!
Have Fun as a Team
In addition to listening to employee concerns and implementing strategies to reduce stress, we also make it a priority to have fun as a team. Company baseball games, BBQ’s, and organized events offsite help to bring us closer as a team! Not only does this strengthen relationships amongst employees but it builds trust as well, helping people identify individuals at work that they can speak with and find encouragement from.
Employee burnout does not have to be a common issue in any business. Although these may seem like small changes to make, they are incredibly helpful in not only treating or preventing burnout but in establishing a stronger company culture as well! By putting the health and well-being of your team first, your business is sure to succeed.
