Employee Burnout: Signs and How to Help
A company’s most valuable asset is its employees. Employee burnout is a very real and hurtful issue for both organizations and individuals.
In order to reduce or prevent employee burnout, you first need to know how to spot it.
Signs of employee burnout:
- Employees seeming isolated and distant – if an employee is avoiding others and just seems off, it could be from burnout
- Increased absenteeism can be common if the employee is experiences work overload
- Disengagement or lack of interest in work duties
- Increased complaints and cynicism as burnout can increase frustrations and willingness to lash out about them.
Ways to help:
- Open communication is key. Start a conversation to see if there are issues or circumstances causing the changes.
- Talk through projects to figure out what items could wait or what items could possibly be done by someone else.
- Make sure all employees have defined roles and that they understand expectations. Being on the same page in terms of roles and expectations can alleviate stress.
- Allow for social time during the work day. A moderate amount of time can help employees bond and increase moral.
Burnout is something that can be worked through, but not without making an effort. If you are experiencing burnout, contact Mercy EAP at (319) 398-6694.
