Seven Practical Ways Employees and Leaders can Avoid Burnout

Working past midnight. Supervisors calling after hours. Almost collapsing under unbearable workloads. Sweating in the face of imminent deadlines.

Have you found yourself hitting a roadblock and wondering what is going to happen next? 

It might be normal for some.

But at what point do we say, "Enough is enough"?

Employee burnout is on the rise - especially now that working from home has blurred the lines between our personal and professional lives.

How is Burnout Affecting Workers Today?

A February 2021 poll conducted by Indeed.com revealed that the situation has gotten worse.

Over 52% of respondents reported feeling burnout. 67% feel it has worsened over the pandemic.

Burnout is not a badge of honour. 

Our minds/brain may be working overtime as it finds it difficult to switch off from work. 

Ever find yourself glancing at your work computer as you walk past your home workstation or doing that little bit of overtime just to send that last email?

Burnout happens when you avoid being human for too long.

If you're feeling it - something is seriously wrong and must not be ignored. You may be overstressed, disconnected, and/or disengaged.

These emotions can be symptoms of depression and anxiety and in the worst case lead to suicide.

What can Workers do to Avoid Burnout?

Here are a few things to remind ourselves: 

• You are the pilot of your life, manage your time and set boundaries so you get enough self-care. You are the one that can control actions and destinations. 
  
• Take a step back and evaluate each block of time in your week. Find opportunities to limit your exposure to the things that create negative energy and increase your exposure to what's good for your mind, body, and soul. 
  
• Change the way you think. If you’re exhausted, focus on the important stuff. If you're frustrated, set aside the parts that frustrate you, and focus on the positives of your role or the workplace. 
  
• Communicate and network. Find like-minded individuals who can challenge the way you think and motivate you to move forward. Talk about how you're feeling - chances are people around you may be able to assist you. 
  

What can Leaders do to Avoid Their Team Members Burning Out?

If you're a workplace leader, here are 3 things to consider:

• Forget "check-in" meetings over Zoom / Teams. Do a walking meeting outside. The sun can do remarkable things to a person's level of energy by triggering the increased release of serotonin improving their mood, calmness, and focus. 
  
• Forget promoting "work-life balance". That term is a fallacy, especially now that many of us are working from home. Instead, promote "work-life engagement", and help your employees find engagement in both their jobs and in their personal lives.
  
• Monitor workloads. Take time to deeply understand, care, and act for your employees. We’re all human beings with human needs. Be compassionate, empathetic, and realistic. Be ready to be truly flexible as each will be unique.