Eight Ways to Avoid Burnout at Work

The World Health Organization has officially recognized burnout as a legitimate medical diagnosis.  Burnout has received more attention in recent years amid a flurry of reports documenting increasing occurrences across various occupations. Burnout is becoming a major problem, but there are some steps you can take to help combat the issue on a day-to-day basis.

Eight Ways You Can Avoid Burnout at Work

1.  Block off time each day to either go “head-down” on a project, finish up administrative work, or focus each weekday on a different topic/task.
2. You have permission to say no. Discuss your workload with your manager and prioritize your projects if you have a large workload.
3. If you feel frustrated, anxious, or overwhelmed, seek in-the-moment support when needed, such as chatting with Tess or calling TalkNow®. Try to steer away from talking or venting to colleagues, as that can create other problems. Always write down your feelings to help organize your thoughts.
4. Step away from your desk when you get frustrated, or take a short walk outside if possible.
5. If an email or communication comes in that you perceive negatively, don’t respond right away. Take time to focus on other tasks before returning to write your response.
6. Release your day or anxious energy with physical activity. Get moving with a boot camp class or a Yoga class.
7. Good sleep hygiene is critical. If you aren’t getting enough sleep, talk to a health coach or provider to learn techniques to help get 8 hours of quality sleep.
8. Try making healthy choices throughout the day. Start your day with a full glass of water, a handful of berries and nuts, or your preferred healthy snack. This will set you on a good course and empower you to make healthier daily choices.
9. Connect with team members, schedule a game, or go out to lunch with your colleague or work buddy.

For managers, here are some ways to help your employees tackle burnout.

Eight ways Managers can tackle employee burnout

These 8 ways to tackle burnout are just a start and can be used across industries and roles. 

1. Know your benefits and promote more value-added services such as wellness programs or mental health support. Let your team know you’re there for them and will provide resources and support when needed.
2. Empower creativity in projects.
3. Provide training or development programs to upskill or help them leap into a managerial role along with steps to get them there – salary-wise and timeline-wise.  
4. Compliment team members regularly and provide positive reinforcement and praise when appropriate.
5. Provide opportunities for growth and advancement.
6. Tell them about immediate in-the-moment support with counselors, such as TalkNow® or Tess. Encourage use and communicate the importance of mental health.
7. Encourage recognition for important milestones such as employee’s birthdays, anniversaries, and contributions to any project they might have had.
8. Acknowledge and promote the importance of mental health and create a safe space for your team to discuss any important matters on a team call. The collective group will be there with open ears, and the feelings won’t be so isolated.