Burnout is continuing to be a major problem in our workplaces. Sadly, more than half of America’s employees are experiencing burnout, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
It’s essential that we begin recognizing burnout and taking steps to overcome it. Doing so will improve the wellbeing of ourselves, our teams and our organizations — and help us to thrive in our workplaces. But how can we do that?
Here are five ways to deal with burnout in the workplace.
1. Recognize the signs.
Burnout can affect you emotionally and physically. You may feel more consistently stressed, dread going to work or feel more frustrated than usual. You may also feel physically exhausted, or have more trouble focusing and completing tasks. While it may be your first instinct to dismiss your feelings or avoid them altogether, it’s crucial that you acknowledge them. Take stock of how you’ve been feeling physically and how you’ve been handling your responsibilities. Be honest with yourself, and acknowledge areas where you need to take action.
2. Be open with your team.
It’s important that you are honest with your team members. Share how you’ve been feeling and let them know you may be making changes, like taking time off or setting new boundaries. Doing so will help your team understand and be prepared as you begin to take steps toward a healthier work-life balance. It will also encourage them to be open when they’re struggling, creating a sense of trust with your team members.
3. Take time to recharge.
Whether it’s for a couple days or a few weeks, you may need to take a step back from work. If you can, spend some time away from the office to relax and enjoy being with your family, even if it’s just for a few days. Be more intentional about taking weekends and holidays off, and delegate aspects of your major tasks and responsibilities for a time. Doing so will help you recoup, and come back feeling better and ready to handle your responsibilities.
4. Learn to say no.
Taking on too many responsibilities and overmanaging your employees can quickly overwhelm you and your team. It’s essential that you begin limiting what you take on and saying no when you need to, even if it’s hard. Trust your team to handle their responsibilities and avoid micromanaging them at every step. Instead, step back where you can and prioritize what’s most important, like being there to support your team members and take care of your responsibilities.
5. Set consistent boundaries.
Not having a healthy work-life balance can be a major cause of burnout. Start by establishing clear off-work hours during the week and protecting your weekends. During those times, unless absolutely necessary, avoid answering work-related texts, calls and emails. Remember to prioritize time with your loved ones and guard your time together. By creating healthy boundaries between your work and personal life, you’ll be able to be more fully present wherever you are, and show those around you they matter to you.
Overcoming burnout takes time, but it’s never too early to start managing it and preventing it. Start by taking daily, consistent steps in your work routine and with your employees. By doing so, you can begin setting yourself up for success and encouraging your team to do the same.