Combat Worker Burnout: Improve your company's employee retention

Worker burnout is a growing concern in today’s fast-paced work environment. It is not specific to a single industry, and it can happen at all levels in the workforce from the newest employees to the top executives. Visier reports 89% of employees have experienced burnout during the pandemic era.

A common misconception is that simply working fewer hours will take care of burnout. A Gallup study showed there are more factors at play than simply working too much. The top response from those polled was being unfairly treated at work with the second being an unmanageable workload.?

Employees are constantly expected to do more with less, creating higher stress levels and making people feel overwhelmed. This feeling can have negative impacts on workers’ physical and mental health. As an employer, it is important to take steps to help improve the well-being of your employees, which will directly improve productivity.?

BEAT BURNOUT

1. Boundaries. It is important to establish and adhere to boundaries. A healthy business relationship is built on trust. Employers need to respect an employee's right to be off the clock during non-working hours. It stems from the need to have a clear break from responsibilities at the office. It is even more difficult to strike this balance when one works from home. Burnout can start up if these boundaries are blurred or ignored.?

2. Expectations. One sure way to avoid employee burnout is to be clear about an individual’s expectations on the job. Failing to do this creates anxiety when they are not clear what the standards are for the aspects of the job. Details are important and should not be overlooked. Keep an open line of communication with employees to ensure they know what is expected of them and set them up for success.?

3. Appreciation. A good way to combat worker burnout and retain your top employees is to simply show you care and appreciate what they bring to your organization. People want to feel valued for their efforts. According to Forbes, 76% of Millennials say they would leave their job if they didn’t feel appreciated. It is imperative to recognize your employee’s work on a project. Big accomplishments are easy to recognize, but don’t fail to acknowledge even the smallest contribution. Shine a spotlight on everyone to make them feel engaged and respected.?

INCORPORATE INCENTIVES

1. Merch. Promotional products are a great tool to be sure employees feel valued. Incentives can help boost morale and increase loyalty to your company’s brand. Offer company apparel at reduced or no charge to show you value your employee’s efforts. Create personalized products to suit their needs be it tumblers, portfolios or charging stations.?

2. Kits. Utilize new employee welcome kits to get started on the right foot with new hires. Surprise employees with thank you swag throughout the year to let them know they are not unnoticed. Give beautifully packaged gift sets that include feel-good essentials like a spa kit or add an extra pep in their step with a wake-up coffee kit.?

3. Wellness. Take the incentives one step further and focus on the mental and physical health of employees. Give employees products that encourage a healthy lifestyle to let them know they aren’t just a number at your company, but a valued human being. Arrange a mental health break by hosting a themed food day to give them some downtime at the office after a busy time.