Employee burnout has always been a concern, but its prevalence has intensified during the pandemic. It not only affects productivity but also poses risks to employees’ physical and mental well-being, as well as the overall success of a business. In this blog, we will explore practical strategies to combat employee burnout.
Maintain a Routine
One of the first steps in combating burnout is for employees to maintain a routine. This includes consistent sleep patterns, dressing for the workday, adhering to regular meal times, and getting exposure to sunlight. By sticking to a routine, employees can help regulate their circadian rhythm, which has physiological benefits and can prevent health issues such as insulin resistance, weight gain, and high blood pressure.
Expand Employee Benefits and Support
Employers have a crucial role in supporting employees’ mental health and well-being. This can be achieved by offering greater access to behavioral health providers, promoting virtual providers, encouraging the use of employee assistance programs (EAPs), and providing specialized caregiving services.
Besides that, enhanced wellness resources, such as financial, meditation, mindfulness, and sleep support, can also offer valuable support to employees. Employers should regularly communicate these benefits to ensure employees are aware of them and know how to access them as needed.
Stay Connected with Coworkers and Managers
Social connectedness has been found to offset the negative mental health impacts of challenging situations like the COVID-19 pandemic. Encourage employees to stay connected with their coworkers through regular virtual video meetings, regardless of whether they are working remotely or on-site.
Managers should make it a point to regularly check in with their direct reports, showing genuine interest in their well-being. Increasing employee sick days, vacation time, and other forms of paid time off can also help alleviate burnout.
Evaluate and Address Workplace Conditions
Managers should critically assess workplace conditions to identify any factors that may contribute to employee burnout. This includes looking at workload distribution, ensuring employees have the necessary resources, and addressing issues causing undue stress. Employers can create a more supportive work environment by identifying and addressing these concerns.
Foster Stigma-free Company Cultures and Early Treatment
Another crucial aspect of combating burnout is fostering stigma-free company cultures where employees feel comfortable seeking mental health support. Offering year-round initiatives and benefits that reflect the diverse needs of employees can go a long way. Encouraging early treatment for mental health conditions and providing access to wellness resources can contribute to happier, healthier employees.
Prioritizing employee well-being leads to happier employees and a healthier and more productive work environment. GLO Resources is a recruitment job agency that aims to help business organizations grow by connecting them with exceptionally talented employees. Contact us for complete employer solutions.