What do you do if your team members are losing motivation and facing burnout?

Addressing burnout proactively means engaging with the team's pulse. Open dialogues through surveys and feedback help us pinpoint stressors, whether they're overloaded work schedules or vague goals. Observing shifts in team mood and performance is key. It’s about creating a culture where speaking up about burnout isn't taboo but a sign of strength and foresight.

Burnout comes in 5 levels on my Spicy Pepper Burnout Scale. Most burnout inventories only look at 3 areas of burnout: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment, however, there are 8 key elements of burnout that I look at in my research which directly impact productivity, engagement, retention and innovation. When we are seeing and feeling a decrease in motivation amongst team members this inevitably shows up in KPIs. Aware leaders know there is no time to waste, especially with recent layoffs impacting the added stress on those who are taking on additional work loads right now. The most common response is to identify the environmental factors- this is part of the solution but not the first step.

Recognizing burnout is a proactive step in sustaining team health. As leaders, offering support through flexible work arrangements and clear goals can help mitigate stress. Open communication and appreciation are essential in creating an environment that values wellbeing. It’s about turning awareness into action for a thriving team dynamic.

Reconnecting with your team's vision can revive motivation and curb burnout. It's about embedding their daily tasks within the larger narrative of the company's mission, making each project feel like a chapter in a success story they are helping to write. Offer them roles in decision-making, and celebrate the milestones that contribute to the company's narrative—this can transform their job into a passion.

One of the most impactful and transformative actions in this area of burnout prevention, motivation and team building is using the Power of Acknowledgment. Judith W. Umlas is the creator, author and leading authority on this powerful and life giving approach. (Give her a follow) I am an Autistic and ADHD leader who discovered that the Power of Acknowledgment was essential in my company's leadership and culture as it directly transforms hearts, ends jealously, de-escalates conflict and fosters engagement like nothing else I've experienced.

Celebrating and showing appreciation for team members is a powerful antidote to burnout. Regular recognition of hard work, whether through a simple 'thank you', public acknowledgment, or rewards, can reinforce their sense of value and belonging, which in turn fosters a positive work environment and maintains high spirits.

Leading by example is paramount in guiding a team through challenging times. Demonstrating a balance between professional rigor and self-care can empower team members to adopt similar strategies. Managing workloads, setting clear boundaries, and prioritizing well-being can cultivate an environment that not only prevents burnout but also promotes resilience and a supportive workplace culture.