Many employees feel the shift to remote work has been a welcome change from the in-office routine despite the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19. In contrast, for others, the disadvantages of remote work became apparent as weeks turned into months and months into a year.
If you have access to the internet 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and don't need to commute, separating work and personal life can be challenging. Late night work and weekend work become more common. Our survey found that 77% of employees have experienced burnout. If staffing levels are cut, workloads increase and burnout quickly become a reality.
The good news is that it is preventable. Employee engagement through an employee wellness program is one important component. Employees that are engaged are happier and more productive. Greater resiliency benefits the organisation as well. However, effective tools and consistent efforts are required to keep staff engaged, reduce burnout, and guarantee that everyone is working toward the same goals.
Here are six strategies to help employees avoid burnout, increase employee engagement, and build resiliency.
Facilitate Better Communication
It is necessary to communicate with your employees to understand their perspectives, difficulties, and perceptions of the organisation and management. Assessments should not be restricted to once a year. More frequency and consistency are crucial in mixed work environments, where employees may feel like they are working in a vacuum. Employees should be able to communicate through all channels available to avoid mental health issues that may arise from isolation.
Small chat groups and meet-ups like virtual lunchrooms and happy hours, as well as one-on-one meetings centred on progress and goals, are all examples of communication touchstones. You can create connections through them, unwind, reduce loneliness, and spot other people who are struggling. But, again, this could help you intervene before things get worse.
"Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence." - Sheryl Sandberg
Allow Employees to Take Time Off.
In many organisations, downtime must be considered to meet demand. Although the redistribution of work may be complex, downtime cannot be ignored. Provide employees with the option of taking breaks, personal days, or vacations when necessary.
Your company's typical working hours should be clearly communicated to employees. In addition, they should be encouraged to turn off their phones and laptops when they are not working. Recognising that they have the right to separate work and personal life will encourage employees to do so. In order to motivate employees to do these things, you might want to introduce some employee wellness initiatives.
Even short breaks throughout the day can help improve their mood and productivity. Make it clear to your team members that they should not check their emails while on vacation. Find someone to cover their position if it is essential. Upon their return, they will be well-rested and ready to work.
Make Collaboration Easier by Investing in Tools.
Retention requires high levels of engagement and communication. Employees don't quit their jobs because they're awful. They leave lousy managers behind them. Organisational goals are more likely to be achieved by employees who clearly understand their responsibilities and are supported in fulfilling them.
Using employee engagement and performance management technology can help to boost productivity, knowledge sharing, and cooperation. Engagement will close the gap by providing coaching and feedback to both in-office and remote employees, connecting individual and team objectives to the organisation's strategic priorities.
Concentrate on the “Why”
Burnout is typically caused by a gap between a person's values and tasks. Although you are worried and exhausted, you continue to work, forgetting the reasons you joined the company or job in the first place. There is a risk of harm from it.
Creating a shared sense of why is a task for any leader must determine why we are motivated to complete the goal. As a leader, it is your responsibility to energise your team. Remember the purpose and why it is crucial for the business and your customers. People are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs if they share common beliefs and connections.
Commit to Mental Health and Empathy
There is increasing recognition that mental health is vital for individuals, groups, and society. Moreover, those their leaders support through empathy are more likely, to be honest and accurate.
When companies build stronger relationships with their employees, employees report it improved mental and physical health by 23% and 17%, respectively. Companies that provide holistic support to their employees report an increase of 21% in high performers. Additionally, employees feel heard and validated, resulting in a more productive work environment and a happier mind body soul.
Prioritise Your Own Health.
Before you can help your team members manage their stress, you must work on your own. Consider how you can help your employees get what they need instead of hunkering down and focusing" on your task.
The best start is by taking care of your physical and emotional health first; you need to take care of yourself. Get enough sleep at night, eat healthfully, exercise regularly, meditate, and find another person to vent to who isn't "your boss.". Taking care of oneself is more than a luxury; it is a necessity.
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