Managing the workload and stress level of your team and avoiding burnout is crucial for the success of your organization. Empowered teams are typically collaborative, hardworking, and results-driven, which ultimately improves employee retention.
Employees may be experiencing elevated levels of stress due to high expectations of themselves, negative feedback or lack of feedback, feeling underappreciated, having unreasonable demands placed on them, or the realization that they are not the right fit for the position. Assuming they are right for the role, it’s your job as an employer to ensure your team members know that their contribution is recognized, that they are valued, and that their work is aligned with the organization direction.
It is essential to recognize the symptoms of burnout so that you can take the proper steps to address it. A few signs and symptoms you might notice include reduced efficiency and energy, headaches, fatigue, reduced productivity, increased errors, and lower levels of motivation.
Here are a few ways to help your employees successfully manage their work-life-balance and avoid burnout in the workplace.
Give Them A Break
Ensure your team knows that personal breaks and vacation time is encouraged in the workplace, rather than seen as something that will hinder their success in the company. Model this behaviour to your team by taking your own personal breaks and using your vacation time.
Provide Clear Expectations
When employees are hired, they need to know what the expectations are of each individual and the team, so that they can evaluate and ensure they can personally meet them.
Reasonable Working Hours
In many roles, occasional overtime is necessary. But, on a regular day-to-day basis, your employees should be able to have a set end time to turn off, focus on other essential aspects of their life, and regenerate for the next day.
Have “Fun” Days
These can be team-bonding experiences or simply extended lunches for team members to enjoy spending time together.
Assess Everyone’s Workload
As a leader, this should be a continual practice to ensure no one’s workload is excessive. If it is, consider reallocating responsibilities, hiring another team member, or replacing those who are not meeting the organization’s expectations.
Encourage Physical Activity Throughout the Day
Daily movement gives your employees a mental break and a place to channel any pent up stress or anxiety about work. Remember, healthy employees are happy employees!
Consider Taking a Leadership or Team Development Course
Professional training ensures that you’re managing your people effectively, while giving you the skills and tools to become a better leader and empower your team as it grows.
AccessHR Inc. provides professional HR consulting services with exceptional quality, creativity and ethical practice. When it comes to supporting clients, we focus on doing the right thing.
