In this day and age of constant connectivity, we can’t seem to get away from work. And even the most dedicated employee runs the risk of workplace exhaustion that runs deeper than a mere lack of sleep.
It’s a more common problem than you think. One in five employees in the United States are highly engaged and at risk of burnout.
And for safety professionals, burnout is about more than just lack of enthusiasm. Burnout can quickly turn into complacency, which can ramp up the potential for a minor hazard to turn into a major accident.
It’s time to tackle workplace burnout head-on. Here are a few ways that you can help your employees stay bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.
The simple fact of closing your door has a major impact on the psychology of the office.
For you, it might seem like a few moments of blissful peace to escape from the office hubbub. For everyone else, it’s communicus interruptus. It also sends a subtle message of us vs. them, whether you’re a manager or a colleague on equal standing.
So, if you want to stop burnout, a good place to start is by keeping your door open (literally and figuratively).
Physically opening your office door sends a message that you’re open for business and ready for visitors to swing by. Follow up that message by inviting employees and colleagues to come and talk to you, whether they’re saying hi or mentioning a serious problem.
Not only will you open lines of communication to resolve major business problems, but you’ll also signal to other employees that you care about what they say.
Of course, it’s not enough to talk the talk. You also have to walk the walk.
In other words, make sure that employees have everything that they need to thrive.
Many employees facing burnout are teetering on the brink because they’re running themselves ragged (or feel like they are). There’s a good chance that they’re working harder than they need to–and that you can do something to resolve the problem.
Make a point of checking in with your employees and colleagues. Ask them if there’s anything they need to work more effectively, even if it looks like they’re killing it and content with the status quo.
Sometimes you have to make do with what you have. But asking your employees if they have what they need is a good way to check your processes. It also shows your employees that you care about their success.
Just make sure to follow through when you ask. If they say they need resources and you agree to provide them only to come up short, they won’t be willing to bring up similar issues in the future.
Finally, make sure to be flexible with your team.
These days, there are so many EHS software and related tools out there that can make your workplace safety program better. A lot of the time this means that your employees work from anywhere.
But that flexibility works both ways. Give your employees a bit of freedom to take control of their environment. Sometimes, a little bit of space is what they need to surpass your expectations.
Inviting a bit of breathing room is also a good way to let your employees recover a bit, especially if they’re already in the early stages of burnout. Remember that everyone is human and that a bit of rest is healthy.
Workplace burnout is a major risk, but it doesn’t need to slow your business down. If anything, spotting and handling burnout is a way to make your company stronger than ever.
If you’re looking for more ways to improve your processes, make sure to check out our available software solutions. We know that the burdens placed on your team are high, which is why we’re here to make it a little easier.