It’s interesting. The more conversations we have, the more we are finding that although leaders know their people struggle with burnout, they are hesitant to actually address the issue.
Or they do a one and done approach, thinking that will resolve the issues around burnout, and it won’t.
Preventing and addressing burnout is no longer a nice to have; it’s a must have to develop growth, happiness and sustainability.
Employees will continue to suffer until companies take action to really help them…until leaders understand that it’s up to them to create this change, because burnout doesn’t go away on its own and unfortunately with staff shortages, workloads and lack of time, burnout isn’t going away any time soon.
Here are some of the current biggest trends in burnout:
1. Remote Work Burnout: With many companies participating in remote work or a hybrid model of work, individuals are finding it challenging to establish boundaries between work and personal life. The blurred lines
between home and office can lead to overworking, feelings of isolation, and difficulty disconnecting from work-related stressors. Create more breaks in your day, moments for your brain to decompress and unwind, and fun experiences (even if it’s for just a couple of minutes) to give yourself something to look forward to throughout your day.
2. Technology Overload: The constant connectivity facilitated by smartphones and other devices can contribute to burnout. Always being reachable and bombarded with notifications can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed and unable to unwind. I recently heard an employee say they had to carry their work phone with them on vacation. When they didn’t do it before and it took them “too long” to reply, they got reprimanded. So on the ski slopes, she had her work phone, just in case she was needed. Always being “on,” is one of the main factors of burnout.
3. Zoom Fatigue: Or what we’ve coined as Zoomitis. Video conferencing is a primary mode of communication for remote work and social interactions, many people are experiencing Zoomitis. The strain of constant
virtual meetings, combined with the lack of nonverbal cues and physical presence, can be exhausting. Limit meetings to short ones and only cover what is necessary. You should also incorporate a fun element into your video conferencing, whether it’s a brain teaser or a game. This makes people want to be there, listen, interact and become a lot more engaged.
4. Work-Life Imbalance: We call this Life-Work Alignment, because we believe you’re meant to be living and work follows that. Despite the flexibility offered by remote work, many individuals struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance, because they no longer have the drive to/from the office to unwind and let go of the stress from the day. The pressure to be constantly available and productive can lead to neglecting personal needs, hobbies, and relationships, ultimately contributing to burnout. When you’re remote working, take a few minutes outside, inside your car, or in a room to decompress and unwind after the work day is finished. This gives you the space to process work stuff and let it go, so you can be present and engaged for yourself and your family in your home life.
5. Mental Health Stigma Reduction: There’s a growing awareness and acceptance of mental health issues in the workplace, leading to more open discussions and support systems. However, the stigma surrounding mental health still exists in many workplaces, preventing some individuals from seeking help or accommodations. Do a two word check in (asking, “How are you feeling?”) with yourself and team. This allows you and them to stop and pause and better express how you/they are doing.
6. Focus on Self-Care and Well-being: Organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of prioritizing employee well-being. Employers are implementing initiatives such as wellness programs, flexible schedules, and mental health resources to support their employees’ physical and emotional health. These are great starts. It’s also vital to have a product that specializes in burnout to help your people where they need it most. Check
out our all-in-one stop shop burnout product suite. Everything you need to know and could want to help prevent and beat burnout. Contact us if you’re interested in learning more of signing up your employees for this 24/7 access platform.
7. Purpose and Meaning in Work: Employees are seeking more than just a paycheck from their jobs; they want to feel a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Companies that prioritize employee engagement, meaningful work,
and opportunities for growth are better equipped to prevent burnout. Your company also become a workplace that your people don’t want to leave, so you’ll better retain talent, as well as recruit them.
8. Boundaries and Time Management: Setting boundaries and managing time effectively are essential skills for combating burnout. Strategies such as time blocking, prioritizing tasks, and scheduling regular breaks can help individuals maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life. Categorize your day by what’s urgent and important. Do urgent first, then important, and decide what you can delegate to someone else or do tomorrow.
By addressing these trends and implementing strategies to mitigate burnout, organizations can create happy, healthy thriving workforces and cultures. Which, let’s be honest, is what everyone wants.
So, what are you waiting for?!
