BURNOUT TO BLOOM-UP, A TEAM GAME

“How have you been”, I began the coaching conversation with a corporate leader.

“Quite distressed and disturbed,” he responded. “The unfortunate death of the young professional in Pune has shaken me up,” he continued.

“I can understand and feel the same and most have the same sentiments,” I empathized.

Our entire 60 minutes and more went in discussing the issues of burnouts and what can be done and by whom. I kept on thinking afterwards as well and have tried capturing some thoughts for all of us.

Burnout has been a prevalent issue in the work environment, characterized by chronic stress, emotional exhaustion, and a sense of reduced accomplishment. It not only affects employees but also has dire consequences for organizations, leading to decreased productivity, higher turnover rates, and a toxic workplace culture.

With, 76% of employees experiencing burnout (Gallup); 45% of workplace turnover attributed to burnout (EAPA); $322 billion annual burnout-related costs (WHO), burnouts are a critical issue. *

Employees are experiencing feelings of anxiety, insecurity, and overall dissatisfaction, which are leading to poor mental health and diminished well-being. Recognizing the signs of burnout?—?such as chronic fatigue, cynicism, and disengagement?—?is vital for early intervention.

Understanding the reasons behind burnout and the roles various entities can play in its prevention is crucial for fostering a healthier work environment. We can stop Burnouts from winning.

Why Burnouts Are?Winning?

Burnout often stems from prolonged exposure to stressors in the workplace, which can include:

1. Work Overload: Juggling multiple responsibilities without adequate resources or time.

2. Lack of Control: No empowerment contributes to a sense of frustration and helplessness.

3. Insufficient Support: Lack of support and relationships exacerbate feelings of isolation.

4. Unclear Expectations: Ambiguity in job roles and responsibilities can lead to confusion and stress.

5. Poor Work-Life Balance: Inability to disconnect from work causes stress to spill over into home-life.

The 7 Key Players with 3 Strategies each for Winning Against?Burnouts

1. ORGANIZATION:

Organizations must create a culture that prioritizes mental health and well-being. This includes:

Implementing Policies: Establish policies that promote a healthy work-life balance.

Providing Resources: Offer mental health resources and wellness initiatives.

Fostering a Supportive Culture: Encourage open environment where all feel safe to express.

2. LEADERSHIP:

Leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping the workplace culture by:

Modelling Healthy Behaviours: Demonstrate a balanced approach to work and own well-being.

Encouraging Open Dialogue: Create channels to voice concerns and feedback without retribution.

Recognizing Achievements: Acknowledge contributions, fostering a sense of accomplishment.

3. MANAGERS:

Managers are on the front lines of employee engagement and can make tangible differences by:

Setting Realistic Expectations: Define roles and responsibilities to prevent overload and confusion.

Monitoring Workloads: Check in with employees to assess their workload and adjust as necessary.

Providing Support: Offer guidance and support, ensuring employees feel valued and understood.

4. EMPLOYEES:

Employees bear first responsibility for their own well-being by:

Practicing Self-Care: Prioritize physical and mental health by activities that provide relaxation.

Setting Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life.

Seeking Help: Reach out for support from managers, colleagues, or mental health professional.

5. COACHES/COUNSELLORS:

Coaches or counsellors (external or internal) can provide invaluable support by:

Offering Professional Support: Help develop coping strategies and tools for stress management.

Facilitating Awareness: Conduct workshops on stress management, resilience, and mental health.

Providing Confidential Support: Offer a safe space to discuss concerns without repercussions.

6. FAMILY:

Family members can provide help, and understanding by:

Emotional Support: Listen actively, validate feelings, and offer encouragement.

Sharing Responsibilities: Divide tasks, share household work, and facilitate balance.

Encouraging Self-Care: Support relaxation, exercise, and hobbies, and prioritize family time.

7. SOCIETY:

Society can promote a culture of mental health and wellness by:

Building A Sense of Community: Foster belongingness and connectedness among all.

Promoting Community Engagement: Encourage volunteering, social events, and activities.

Reducing Stigma Around Mental Health: Promote acceptance, open discussions, and support.

Preventing burnout in the workplace requires a collaborative effort from Organizations, Leadership, Managers, Employees, Coaches/Counsellors, Family, and Society.?

By recognizing the signs of burnout, understanding its causes, and actively working together to create a supportive environment, we can mitigate the risks associated with chronic stress.

Fostering a culture of well-being not only enhances individual mental health but also leads to improved organizational performance, ultimately benefiting everyone involved.?

Prioritizing mental health and emotional well-being to Beat the Burnouts, is not just a moral obligation; it’s a strategic imperative for sustainable success for the organization and the society.

Let us Beat the Burnouts. Yes, Together, We can!

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*References: Gallup (2020) Employee Burnout, Causes and Consequences. Employee Assistance Professionals Association (EAPA 2020) Workplace Burnout. World Health Organization (WHO 2019)- Burnout at Work.

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Thanks for being here with me. Hope, my thoughts resonated with you. Requesting you to subscribe/follow the newsletter. You can connect with and write to me. - Amlesh Ranjan PCC Coach