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Watch Out for Employee Burnout
It happens in every workplace. Employees who were once enthusiastic, confident workers start to come in late and call in sick more often. Their productivity drops and their attitudes turn sour. They
complain about their health and may even show signs of abusing alcohol or drugs. These workers may be showing signs of employee burnout.
As an employer or manager, it’s important to recognize the
symptoms of burnout, understand its causes, and take action to help an employee recover, if possible.
What Is Burnout?
Burnout is a state of physical and/or emotional exhaustion that results from unrelenting stress. Burnout occurs when a person has been involved in a frustrating or intensely demanding situation for a long
time without adequate rest and recreation. Although often discussed in relation to the workplace, burnout also hits those who shoulder demanding caregiving responsibilities for small children and elderly
individuals.
What Causes Job Burnout?
A person who has been passed over for a promotion may lose his or her motivation at work. Reorganization, continual change, and overwork without recognition or sufficient payback also contribute to employee
burnout. Individuals who work in downsizing companies may burnout because they’re expected to do more work in less time. Employees who anticipate leaving a job may also exhibit burnout behavior because
they no longer feel an investment in the workplace. Employees can bring on their own burnout by overworking and not setting appropriate boundaries. |
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Symptoms of Employee Burnout
- changes in work habits and attitude
- loss of motivation
- absenteeism/tardiness
- negativity and emotional outbursts
- health problems
- increased use of alcohol or drugs
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What Can You Do to Help?
- Readjust workloads creatively when your department loses employees due to downsizing.
- Whenever possible, give advance notice about changes in positions and assignments.
- Firm up schedules to provide a sense of continuity during uncertain times.
- Redistribute workloads or break larger projects into smaller ones to help overworked employees.
- Be a good listener. Give employees a chance to vent their frustrations.
- Schedule a team event outside the organization to promote loyalty.
- Refer employees to resources available in your community or through your Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
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