This year we are discussing important topics for employee wellbeing and today we shift our focus to an essential topic that affects many of us in the modern workplace: burnout.
Here we bring you a strong arsenal of knowledge to combat burnout head-on. Let's dive into "Our 7 Steps To Prevent Burnout In The Office"! We hope that you find them useful:
1️⃣ Prioritize Self-Care
Taking care of yourself is not selfish; it's an investment in your overall well-being. Research shows that practising self-care activities, such as exercise, mindfulness, and hobbies, can significantly reduce burnout and improve job satisfaction. Even small efforts in that direction can help reduce stress and increase energy levels.
📚: According to a study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, engaging in regular self-care activities is linked to lower levels of burnout among employees.
2️⃣ Set Realistic Goals
Ambition is admirable, but it's crucial to set attainable goals. Unrealistic expectations and constant pressure can quickly lead to burnout. Focus on setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals to maintain a healthy balance between productivity and well-being. SMART goals need to be ecological as well, which means to be healthy for the self, system and society.
📚: A research paper published in the Journal of Organizational Behavior highlighted that employees who perceive their goals as achievable experience lower levels of burnout.
3️⃣ Encourage Work-Life Balance
Striking a balance between work and personal life is essential for preventing burnout. Encourage your team to set boundaries, take regular breaks, and disconnect from work outside of working hours. This will lead to increased job satisfaction and reduced stress levels.
📚: A study conducted by the American Psychological Association revealed that individuals who maintain a healthy work-life balance are less likely to experience burnout symptoms.
4️⃣ Foster a Supportive Work Environment
A positive work environment can make a world of difference in preventing burnout. Encourage open communication, provide support systems, and promote teamwork. Celebrate achievements and foster a sense of community within the office.
📚: Research published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that employees who perceive high levels of support from their supervisors and colleagues experience lower burnout rates.
5️⃣ Promote Autonomy and Flexibility
Empowering employees with autonomy and flexibility in their work can help prevent burnout. Providing opportunities for self-directed decision-making and flexible work arrangements can enhance job satisfaction and reduce stress levels.
📚: A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology revealed that employees with higher levels of autonomy experience lower burnout and greater work engagement.
6️⃣ Train Managers in Emotional and Social Intelligence
Managers play a vital role in preventing burnout among their team members. Providing emotional intelligence training equips managers with the skills to support their employees, recognize signs of burnout, and address issues promptly and effectively. One vital skill is “active listening”, which helps to hear early symptoms of overwork, personal and work problems that overwhelm, low energy. Managers spending time for conversations manage early burn-out symptoms better.
📚: A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Organizational Behavior highlighted that managers with higher emotional intelligence are better equipped to prevent burnout among their team members.
7️⃣ Regularly Assess Workload
Periodically evaluate workloads to ensure they are reasonable and evenly distributed. Identifying and addressing any imbalances can help prevent burnout and promote a healthier work environment.
Sometimes this is difficult to assess in case the employees do not give feedback, when the workload is too much; regular checkins with the team and noticing changes in the behaviour and energy levels, as well as increased mistakes could be helpful to notice that.
📚: Research published in the International Journal of Stress Management suggests that workload management is crucial in preventing burnout among employees.
Remember, burnout is not a badge of honour. By implementing these 7 steps, we can create a workplace culture that values well-being and productivity hand in hand. Together, we can prevent burnout and create a more fulfilling work environment for everyone!
If the topic of workplace wellbeing is important to you, you can book a FREE introduction call with Dr. Neli Petkova HERE.
Wishing you a burnout-free and prosperous future!
Author: EvolveTalent® team.
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