Avoiding Burnout

A study by The Stress Management Society found that 65% of people feel more stressed now than when Covid restrictions and lockdown began last March.

There are many factors than can contribute to burnout: working parents having to home school; those in frontline jobs; struggling with work/life balance while working from home; lack of support from management only highlighted by remote working are just a few examples.

Symptoms of burnout can be:

  • Feeling emotionally or physically exhausted
  • Feeling mental detachment from work
  • Having a reduced ability to perform at work

Below are some tactics you can use to prevent burnout whilst at work.

1- Reduce stress
Employees – Continued exposure to stress can contribute to the feeling of burnout. Your employers should have a health and safety policy concerning stress in the workplace – refer to this if you’re struggling. Make your manager aware of how you’re feeling – they’re there to support you.

Employers – The pandemic has been a stressful time for most, with many individuals left feeling out of control and anxious. The usual pressures from work, paired with being isolated at home has contributed to this feeling. By allowing your employees the flexibility with their hours around their responsibilities (both work and home) can provide many mental health benefits and can even boost productivity.

2- Recharge
Employees – The average worker had 14 days of unused holidays in 2020 – no real surprise!
Even though the likelihood of getting abroad this year is slim, it’s still important you take your annual leave, recharge and get the downtime that’s needed.

Employers – Ensure your employees have a good work/life balance. If you notice they haven’t taken leave in a while, encourage they do this. Also, try and promote a healthy out of work hours lifestyle e.g. getting out for a walk after work or on lunch times.

3- Promote a caring work culture
Employees – if you’re feeling or starting to see signs of burnout, talk to your manager! It’s more than likely you’re not the only one feeling like this. Doing so might even encourage others in your team feeling the same to speak out.

Employers – Encouraging managers to talk about their work challenges can enforce a caring work culture and can make employees feel like they aren’t alone. Don’t expect everyone to speak freely about their feelings, some people may not feel comfortable doing so.

Cumbria Chamber of Commerce members can access free resources through the Chamber Health Care plan. The resource pack also offers guidance to line managers on spotting signs of stress in your employees and reducing workplace stress. Get in touch with a member of our team on info@cumbriachamber.co.uk to find out more.

© Cumbria Chamber of Commerce