How to Prevent Employee Burnout – 7 Ways to Retain Your Best Employees

Employee burnout is at an all-time high, and companies are feeling it everywhere.

In fact, according to the American Psychology Association’s 2021 Work and Well-being Survey of over 1,500 workers, “79% reported feeling some level of workplace stress and burnout — from lack of interest to emotional exhaustion and weariness.”

Thankfully, employers do have a say in the matter. There are several strategies your company can implement to prevent employee burnout and, in turn, create a workforce that’s productive, profitable, and happy.

If you’re interested in how your business can support its employees and remain HR compliant, contact us.

What is Employee Burnout?

Employee burnout is a condition of emotional and mental exhaustion among workers.

It can occur for many reasons, including stressful work environments, boredom, mundane repetition, or simply working too many hours.

Employee burnout is also a key contributor to turnover rates, leaving employers wondering what to do about it.

7 Ways to Retain Your Best Employees

1 – Communicate Priorities Clearly

Contrary to popular belief, research by the American Psychological Association has shown that the human brain operates at its best when focusing on one task at a time. Despite this, people have a tendency to multitask in an attempt to get more done, not realizing that their performance and efficiency end up suffering as a result.

Another common result of chronic multitasking is burnout, and this is especially true in the workplace. This makes sense, as it’s often hard to distinguish whether there’s enough time in the day to get everything done.

That’s why communicating priorities clearly is so helpful. It allows employees to focus on the most important tasks first, giving their full attention to what matters most.

2 – Promote Work/Life Balance

Burnout often occurs when employees are so focused on their careers that they neglect other aspects of their lives.

While it’s a common belief that working hard and resting less is the best way to achieve success, it’s not possible to run on empty forever — eventually, something has to give.

Promoting work/life balance in the workplace encourages employees to care for themselves as people, not just workers. Mental health days, group events outside of work, and fitness allowances are all helpful ways to promote a healthy work/life balance in the workplace.

3 – Train Managers

Well-trained managers can benefit your company in a multitude of ways. They’re responsible for overseeing the day-to-day of your business, which includes the well-being of your employees.

So, informing managers of best practices for preventing employee burnout can be key to ensuring workers are well taken care of.

Managers play a crucial role in the prevention of employee burnout through the rapport that they build with workers. Promoting open employee communication, encouraging the growth of workers, and assigning tasks that are within the scope of employees’ skills are all helpful ways managers can make the workplace more welcoming.

Check out our webinar, where we interview Inc.com’s Editor in Chief, Scott Omelianuk, on how a great workplace attracts better workers.

4 – Reward a Job Well Done

Employees can only go on for so long without recognition for their hard work. Naturally, humans crave positive interaction with their peers.

They can benefit greatly from a pat on the back from time to time — especially if they’re doing their best. This is a helpful point to consider in your efforts to prevent employee burnout.

According to a recent study by Zippia, “80% of businesses are now implementing employee recognition programs while being 48% more likely to have high rates of employee engagement.” A simple thank you, a bonus on their next paycheck, or a group lunch to acknowledge their efforts can go a long way in helping employees feel appreciated.

In addition, these acts add to their motivation and inspire them to keep up the good work.

5 – Consider Offering a Hybrid Schedule

According to Apollo Technical’s 2021 Remote Work & Compensation Pulse Survey, “44% of workers would like to work from home at least part-time, while 48% would prefer to work from home permanently.”

The COVID-19 pandemic opened many people’s eyes to the advantages of working from home. Now, post-pandemic, some of them even prefer it.

While, of course, this won’t be possible for every business, considering a hybrid schedule is an excellent way to prevent employee burnout within your organization. Aside from money and time saved on commuting, hybrid work also allows more location freedom, quality time with family and loved ones, and more flexibility in day-to-day schedules.

6 – Encourage a Sense of Community

People that feel a sense of belonging or like part of something bigger than themselves are not only likely to be happier but also to remain loyal to the community that makes them feel important.

This sense of comradery throughout the workplace is not only a wonderful way to prevent employee burnout but also creates a workforce that’s more productive and profitable.

Inspiring a sense of community among workers can be as simple as holding activities outside the office, encouraging group projects, or scheduling an after-work happy hour.

For more tips on how to inspire a sense of community in the workplace, watch our video on how to Improve Workplace Productivity and DEI Through the Power of Pla y.

7 – Welcome Employee Feedback

Your employees are the ones on the front lines of your business. They know the ins and outs of what happens when the boss isn’t looking.

Employees can provide valuable insights into the workplace environment,
tasks, and team dynamics if given a chance.

Also, letting employees know that their input is valued and even encouraged leads to feelings of appreciation. This does wonders for preventing employee burnout.

Implementing an open-door policy in the workplace, providing suggestion boxes, or even holding regular meetings for employees to provide honest feedback are terrific starting points.

Plus, when you ask your employees their thoughts on potential new developments or what they might like to improve about the business, it encourages them to contribute and work as a team.

Conclusion

The American workforce is witnessing high counts of employee burnout every day. But this doesn’t mean your business has to add to those statistics. Consider options such as:

Communicating priorities clearly
Promoting work/life balance

Training managers
Rewarding a job well done
Considering a hybrid schedule
Encouraging a sense of community, and
Welcoming employee feedback.

And your business can succeed in preventing employee burnout. If you’d like to speak to an HR representative about your business, contact us.