We have all experienced that burnout feeling at work. This is typical of employees who are disengaged from their work. In fact, disengaged employees are 2.6 times more likely to feel anxious at work than engaged employees. If productivity levels have dropped, absenteeism is high and tasks are unable to be completed, then it is time to take action.
What are the red flags that you should be aware of?
- Sleep deprivation
The average person should be getting between seven and nine hours sleep every night. If this not achieved, this lack of sleep will result in a weakened immune system. Making your employees more susceptible to diseases. Long term, sleep deprivation increases your odds of a stroke, heart failure and diabetes.
You will also find that looking at a screen before bed is depriving you of sleep. This is because the bright light is a stimulant and will prevent you from falling asleep. Try turning these kinds of electronic devices off 30 minutes before going to sleep.
- Lack of exercise
This is often sacrificed in the workplace. However, it is essential for both mental and physical health and well-being. In fact, exercise can help you to stay productive and prevent burnout because of the endorphins released, thus improving your mood.
Investing in a wellness program in your workplace could help improve employee productivity and engagement. A study showed a 72% improvement in time management and workload completed when employees exercised.
- Bringing the office home with you
Having a balanced work and home life is crucial. We are all familiar with the image portrayed in films of the workaholic who misses out on spending time with friends and family because they cannot step away from the office.
Turn your phone to ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode and try to avoid answering phone calls and emails during personal time. Moreover, as an employer you should try to avoid contacting employees outside of business hours, which will allow them to switch off.
- A dysfunctional lifestyle
Are relationships suffering as a result of your work life? Is your office, home or car a cluttered mess? These are both clear indicators of a poor work-life balance.
Overworking causes mess which then causes you to work slower and burnout as you cannot work efficiently. This is a vicious cycle. This can affect other avenues in your life such as personal relationships. Assuming you have a healthy working life, the Dunbar number states that you can only have five close relationships at a time. However, when work life takes over your private life this number slowly declines, with work eventually becoming a strain on personal relationships.
As an employer it is crucial that you recognise these red flags. If it appears that an employee is drowning in paperwork and cannot function because of an untidy desk then you must step in, perhaps delegate and spread the workload amongst other team members. Moreover, speak to your employees and find out how THEY are doing.
As an employee, don’t make excuses to avoid attending events with loved ones. Try to stick to commitments and speak to your employer if your workload has become unmanageable and is starting to affect personal relationships.
In conclusion...
Noticing these red flags early on can help reduce problems or even prevent them entirely. A happier work-life means a happier workforce. If you need help managing your employees and improving morale, our HR team can assist you.