Cracking the Burnout Code: Strategies for Workplace Wellness

Mariah Carey became a household name worldwide when she crashed into the music scene with a song called Vision of Love in 1990. It became Billboard #1, and over the next three decades, she belted out nineteen #1 singles—more than Elvis Presley or Michael Jackson. Yet what is less known about Mariah Carey is the toll that success took on her personal life. Midway through her career, Mariah Carey had to spend two weeks in the hospital for extreme exhaustion.?

One might think that success brings everything one needs. What is often overlooked is the price of success—burnout.?

Burnout is a global phenomenon affecting anyone, from youngsters to senior employees.?

===========================================================According to the American Psychological Association's 2021 Work and Wellbeing Survey, 3 in 5 workers reported experiencing negative mental and physical impacts due to work-related stress. According to the Health and Safety Executive, 17.9 million working days were lost to stress, anxiety, or depression in 2019-20.

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Consider these global statistics from various studies.

• 26% noted a lack of interest, motivation, or energy
• 32% reported emotional exhaustion
• 44% cited high levels of physical fatigue
• 77% of workers have experienced burnout at their current jobs, and the top driver of burnout is a lack of support and recognition from leadership
• 25% of employees experienced burnout symptoms
• 79% identified stress-related absences in their organization over the last year
• 63% are more likely to take sick leave than happy, engaged employees?

What do these statistics tell us??

The risk of burnout is a genuine concern for employees at all levels. Recognizing the signs of burnout and understanding its impact is crucial for protecting the well-being of individuals and fostering a healthy workplace culture.?

Understanding burnout?

Picture this: You're working long hours, meeting tight deadlines, and constantly battling the never-ending stream of emails.?

Sound familiar??

That's burnout creeping in—a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. If over 60% of employees report feeling burned out at work at least once in their careers, that’s staggering!

Factors contributing to burnout?

There's no shortage of culprits when it comes to burnout. From excessive workloads and lack of control to poor work-life balance and toxic office cultures, the list goes on. So, how do you know if you're experiencing burnout??

Keep an eye out for physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, insomnia, and emotional signs like irritability and detachment. And if you find yourself constantly counting down the minutes until the weekend, it might be time to take a step back and reassess.

Preventing burnout?

Preventing burnout requires a proactive approach to promoting employee well-being and creating a supportive work environment. Here are some strategies that we follow at Zuci, which you can consider:

• Encourage employees to prioritize self-care and set boundaries between work and personal life. Offer flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance.?
• Offer employee assistance programs, mental health resources, and access to counseling services to support employees' mental and emotional well-being. Educate them that it is acceptable to seek help.?
• Cultivate a supportive and inclusive workplace culture where employees feel valued, respected, and appreciated for their contributions. Encourage open communication, collaboration, and feedback to foster a sense of belonging and connection.?
• Acknowledge and celebrate employee achievements and milestones to boost morale and motivation. Regular recognition and feedback can help employees feel valued and appreciated for their hard work.?
• Provide professional development, training, and career advancement opportunities to help employees grow and develop their skills. Investing in employee growth and learning can increase job satisfaction and engagement while reducing the risk of burnout.?
• Managers and leaders play a crucial role in preventing burnout by modeling healthy behaviors and promoting a positive work-life balance. Lead by example by prioritizing self-care, setting realistic expectations, and demonstrating empathy and support for your team members.?

Protecting against burnout?

In addition to prevention strategies, we also take proactive steps to protect against burnout and support employees who may be struggling.?

• Create a safe and supportive environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their concerns, challenges, and stressors. Encourage regular check-ins and one-on-one meetings to allow employees to voice their concerns and seek support.?
• Provide resources and training on stress-management techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation, and time management strategies. Encourage employees to take regular breaks, practice self-care, and engage in activities that promote relaxation and well-being.?
• Offer access to mental health resources, counseling services, and employee assistance programs to support employees' mental and emotional well-being. Encourage employees to seek help if they are experiencing symptoms of burnout or mental health concerns.?
• Build a culture of support and compassion where employees feel comfortable reaching out for help and supporting one another. Encourage peer support networks, mentorship programs, and team-building activities to foster connections and build resilience in the workplace.?

It is important to address burnout because it has a serious impact on organizational success. Burned-out employees are far more likely to seek a different job actively. More and more employees now view their mental health as a critical driver for seeking a new role. Inevitably, employees will seek out workplaces that support mental health when exploring future roles, highlighting the importance of mental health benefits on employee retention.

===========================================================??Burnout is a real issue in today's workplaces, but it's not insurmountable. By recognizing the signs, implementing preventive measures, and providing support and resources for employees, we can create a work environment where everyone thrives.?

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Employers and employees need to band together and support each other to tackle burnout head-on.?

?Photo by?Nubelson Fernandes?on?Unsplash?

?References:?

1. https://www.billboard.com/lists/artists-most-number-one-hits-all-time-hot-100/mariah-carey-18/
2. According to the American Psychological Association's 2021 Work and Wellbeing Survey
3. As reported by the Health and Safety Executive
4. Results from various studies by Deloitte, McKinsey Health, CIPD and Gallup.

Readers – A Quick Note:

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Would love to hear your feedback and suggestions. Thank you.

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