4 Ways To Overcome Workplace Burnout
Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. Burnout in the workplace is a common problem that can negatively impact an individual’s health and work performance⁴.
Burnout is a major problem in the workplace, and one of the reasons that it persists is because of the stigma surrounding asking for help. Many people feel embarrassed or ashamed to admit that they are struggling with burnout, and they worry that asking for help will make them look weak or incompetent.
However, it is important to remember that burnout is not a personal failing — it is a problem that affects many people in the workplace. Burnout is a systemic issue; the structure of the workplace impacts burnout.
Here are 4 ways to help reduce the stigma around asking for help:
Cultivate an open and supportive culture: Employers can promote a culture that encourages open communication, honesty, and mutual support. This can help create an environment where employees feel comfortable asking for help without fear of judgment¹. Creating a safe space for employees to share their perspectives is also helpful in creating a supportive and open culture.
Provide resources and communicate with employees: Employers can provide access to resources such as counselling services, employee assistance programs, and mental health resources that can help employees deal with burnout². Creating a dialogue and conversation with employees can help to understand what they are going through to give employers feedback. Employers don’t need to know all the details and it is also helpful to generally know what is going on to provide the best support for their employees.
Educate employees: Employers can educate employees about burnout and signs to recognize it within themselves and in others. This can help reduce the stigma (i.e. appearing to be weak/incompetent) associated with asking for help, by raising awareness and creating commonality around the issue³.
Lead by example: Employers can lead by example by showing that leaders of their management team are open and accepting to seek help when they need it. This can help normalize the idea of seeking help and reduce the stigma associated with it¹.
By implementing these strategies, employers can encourage employees to ask for help when they are struggling with burnout, leading to healthier and more productive workplaces.
Sources:
American Psychological Association. “Reducing Stigma in the Workplace.” https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/10/cover-workplace-stigma.
Western Governors University. “Workplace Burnout: Causes, Effects, and Solutions.” https://www.wgu.edu/blog/workplace-burnout-causes-effects-solutions1906.html.
Mind Tools. “Managing and Avoiding Burnout.” https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTCS_08.htm.
Mayo Clinic. “Job burnout: How to spot it and take action.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/burnout/art-20046642.
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