Suspect your team is suffering from burnout? Here's how to identify the signs of burnout.
Knowing how to identify the signs is one of the best ways to support your staff and prevent future symptoms from occurring.
The #1 tip to protect your team from burnout (even if you think you already are)
Even if you think you’re effectively implementing workplace wellness, your employees might not see it that way. Don’t get us wrong, you may have the best intentions. But communication is key! And unfortunately, there seems to be a clear communication gap between employees and employers.
According to recent survey data from Deloitte, 1 in 3 employees are experiencing symptoms of workplace burnout. From anxiety to depression, to exhaustion, and stress, there’s a clear need for support. Yet, employers are missing the mark — not only did they fail to address burnout, but when asked about the mental health of their employees, 80% of executives believe their team to be “thriving in all aspects of their well-being.” As you can imagine, this has left individuals feeling unseen and unsupported — in a big way. Only 56% feel as though workplace management cares about their health, yet — another communication lapse — 91% of executives believe their employees feel cared for.
The takeaway? Even if you think you’re promoting a positive environment, it’s not enough to assume. To truly support your employees, you must understand the signs and symptoms of burnout so that you can offer varying means of support. Remember: cultivating well-being in the workplace isn’t black or white. There’s no one simple solution or quick fix. Communication must be open and ongoing!
The workplace burnout warning signs to look for
From taking on more responsibilities than one can manage, to poor social support, to poor self-care and stress management, employee burnout can be caused by a multitude of factors. And because it’s a slow and insidious developer, it can often go unnoticed.
If you think your team is at risk, here are some common signs and symptoms to look out for:
- Overwhelming stress
- Lack of energy and chronic fatigue
- Decreased productivity
- Difficulty concentrating
- Increased forgetfulness
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Feelings of anxiety and depression
- Loss of enjoyment and pleasure
- Pessimism, apathy, and detachment
- Inability to cope
As you can see, experiencing burnout can be incredibly challenging and difficult to navigate — physically, mentally, and emotionally. And the thing is, employees aren’t the only ones who suffer. It’s a lose-lose situation — the work-related consequences (such as poor performance and work quality and increased risk for resignation) are just as severe.
As for the best solution? Encouraging employees to prioritize self-care and take time off to rest and recharge is always ideal.
But, different employees will have different needs! So, how can you best help? Don’t stress, we’re here to support you so you can support your staff. Download our free guide to beating burnout for simple strategies to decrease the chance of it occurring first place.
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