Inclusive burnout recovery: practical HR strategies for all employees

Welcome to this edition of our HR newsletter about empowering diversity. In it, we will discuss the importance of supporting employees after burnout.

Burnout is increasingly recognized as a severe workplace issue that affects not only employee well-being but also company performance. In France, 34% of employees reported suffering from burnout in 2022, a figure that highlights the growing prevalence of this condition across Europe. According to the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), stress-related conditions like burnout account for over half of the days lost due to work-related health issues.

Why companies can't afford to overlook post-burnout employees

Ignoring employees who have suffered from burnout can deprive companies of valuable talent. These individuals often bring unique experiences, resilience, and insight into stress management once they recover. Moreover, companies that fail to support such employees risk higher turnover rates, lower engagement, and the loss of institutional knowledge.

Employees recovering from burnout often have renewed clarity on their strengths and weaknesses, making them excellent candidates for roles aligning with their core competencies. By actively helping these employees reintegrate companies not only foster loyalty but also create a more resilient and adaptive workforce.

5 practical measures HR can implement to support burnout recovery

1. Tailored return-to-work plans

Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, HR should create individualized return-to-work plans. This could include flexible schedules, reduced hours, or temporary changes in workload to ease the transition.

2. Regular check-ins and mental health support

Post-burnout employees should not be left alone to navigate their recovery. Offering access to mental health services, regular check-ins with HR, and a trusted network of colleagues can make the process smoother and reduce the risk of relapse.

3. Workload management

One of the primary triggers for burnout is excessive workload. HR must help managers develop strategies to distribute tasks more evenly across teams, ensuring employees do not return to an overwhelming workload.

4. Training managers on burnout awareness

Managers play a critical role in preventing and addressing burnout. Providing them with training on recognising early signs of burnout and offering support can help prevent future cases and ensure employees feel supported.

5. Creating a culture of open communication

Encouraging a culture where employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health is key. This can be achieved through workshops, open forums, and leadership messaging that normalizes burnout and mental health conversations.

In conclusion, addressing burnout recovery isn’t just about retention but building a sustainable and thriving workforce. By implementing these practical measures, HR departments can create an environment where talent is nurtured, and employees can truly flourish after recovery.

If you want to explore the impact of burnout support, here are some inspiring articles.

?? Burnout and recruitment: a missed opportunity for organizations

?? Your desk is a threat to your mental health.

?? Napping: your secret weapon for creativity!

?? A prescription for nature: time to reconnect.

?? Reading advice of the week, the book The Burnout Fix: Overcome Overwhelm, Beat Busy, and Sustain Success in the New World of Work by Jacinta M. Jiménez.

The Burnout Fix: Overcome Overwhelm, Beat Busy, and Sustain Success in the New World of Work by Jacinta M. Jiménez is a must-read for anyone looking to combat burnout in today's fast-paced world. Jiménez, a seasoned psychologist and leadership expert, offers a comprehensive approach to addressing the root causes of burnout rather than just treating the symptoms. This book provides readers with practical strategies and science-backed techniques to create a sustainable and resilient work culture.

Focusing on long-term success and well-being, The Burnout Fix dives into how organizations and individuals can prevent burnout by fostering environments that prioritize mental health, purpose, and personal growth. HR professionals, leaders, and employees will benefit from Jiménez's clear, actionable insights on creating a balanced and fulfilling career.

In an era where stress and overwhelm are at an all-time high, The Burnout Fix is a timely guide to restoring energy, engagement, and well-being in the workplace. Don’t miss the chance to discover how small changes can significantly impact your work-life balance and overall success.

?? Unlock the secret to managing Burnout: watch "The Cure for Burnout" by Emily Nagoski

Burnout is more than just a buzzword—it's a critical issue in today’s fast-paced work environment, especially for HR professionals and DEI leaders. In her compelling TED Talk, "The Cure for Burnout (hint: it’s not self-care)," Dr. Emily Nagoski dives into the heart of what causes burnout and offers a fresh perspective on tackling it.

For HR and DEI leaders, this talk offers invaluable insights into recognizing burnout's underlying causes, which often stem from a sense of not being valued rather than overworked. Nagoski emphasizes the importance of community and connection as crucial factors in managing stress and supporting employees. It’s not just about individual self-care—it’s about fostering an environment that helps people close their stress cycles and feel fulfilled in their work.

After watching this talk, you’ll have actionable strategies to create a healthier workplace culture, support employee well-being, and improve engagement and productivity. This is a must-watch for anyone looking to transform their approach to employee support and well-being.

?? Take action now: Watch Dr. Nagoski's TED Talk and start creating lasting change in your organization!

Thank you for reading this newsletter. I hope you enjoyed it. Do not hesitate to share your comments with me. If you think this newsletter might be helpful to someone in your network, please share it. See you soon.