Understanding and Combating Burnout in the Post-Pandemic Workplace
We look into the pressing issue of burnout and mental health in the workplace with guest Georgia Homsany. Georgia, who has extensive experience in corporate America and is the founder of the Daily Dose, shares her insights on the multifaceted nature of burnout and offers practical strategies for both individuals and organisations to address this growing concern.
The Prevalence and Impact of Burnout
Key Statistics:
- Nearly 80% of employees report feeling stressed or burnt out at work.
- Burnout significantly contributes to high employee turnover, which incurs substantial costs for businesses.
Understanding Burnout: Burnout is often misunderstood as merely the result of long working hours. However, Georgia emphasises that it encompasses a broader range of factors, including:
- Lack of recognition and rewards
- Insufficient support from management
- Poor cultural fit within the organisation
Daily Check-Ins: A Practical Tool for Assessing Mental Health
The Red-Yellow-Green Scale: Georgia introduces a simple yet effective method for individuals to monitor their mental state daily:
- Green: Feeling good and productive
- Yellow: Experiencing some stress or fatigue
- Red: Feeling overwhelmed and burnt out
Actionable Advice:
- Self-Reflection: Encourage employees to take a few minutes each day to assess their mental state using the red-yellow-green scale.
- Open Communication: Foster an environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their status with managers or peers.
Identifying Root Causes of Burnout
Beyond Working Hours: Georgia stresses the importance of looking beyond the obvious causes of burnout. Key areas to consider include:
- Support Systems: Evaluate the level of support employees receive from their managers and colleagues.
- Cultural Compatibility: Ensure that the organisational culture aligns with employees’ values and work styles.
- Recognition and Rewards: Regularly acknowledge and reward employees’ efforts to boost morale and motivation.
Actionable Advice:
- Surveys and Feedback: Conduct regular surveys to gather feedback on employees’ experiences and identify potential stressors.
- Tailored Solutions: Develop customised strategies to address the specific needs and concerns of different teams or departments.
The Post-Pandemic Work Environment
Video Meeting Fatigue: The shift to remote work has led to an increase in video meetings, which can be mentally exhausting. Both Craig and Georgia express a preference for audio calls, which they find less intrusive and more manageable.
Balancing Work and Relaxation: Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial in the post-pandemic era. Encourage employees to:
- Set Boundaries: Clearly define work hours and personal time to prevent burnout.
- Take Breaks: Regular breaks throughout the day can help reduce stress and improve productivity.
Actionable Advice:
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Offer flexible working hours or remote work options to help employees manage their time effectively.
- Promote Wellbeing: Implement wellness programmes that encourage physical activity, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques.
A Holistic Approach to Addressing Burnout
Individual Level:
- Self-Care: Encourage employees to prioritise self-care activities such as exercise, hobbies, and socialising.
- Professional Help: Provide access to mental health resources, including counselling and therapy services.
Corporate Level:
- Leadership Training: Train managers to recognise signs of burnout and provide appropriate support.
- Inclusive Culture: Foster an inclusive and supportive workplace culture where employees feel valued and respected.
Actionable Advice:
- Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular one-on-one meetings between employees and managers to discuss workload, stress levels, and overall wellbeing.
- Recognition Programmes: Develop programmes that regularly recognise and reward employees’ contributions and achievements.
Conclusion
This interview highlights the complexities of burnout and mental health issues in the workplace. By adopting a multifaceted approach that addresses both individual and organisational factors, businesses can create a healthier, more supportive environment for their employees. Implementing daily check-ins, identifying root causes of burnout, and promoting a balanced work-life dynamic are essential steps in combating burnout and fostering long-term employee engagement and wellbeing.
By taking these insights to heart and applying the actionable advice provided, organisations can make significant strides in reducing burnout and enhancing the overall mental health of their workforce.
Guest profile
After working 15 years in Corporate America, Georgia Homsany left her 9-5 to start helping those in the corporate environment. Studies show that only 32% of people are engaged with their jobs, and mental health has plummeted since the pandemic. Georgia started DAILY DOSE to provide resources to employees to prevent burnout and increase engagement.
Useful links:
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgia-homsany-88b9146/
DAILY DOSE Corporate Wellness Programs- www.dailydose-wellness.com
SELF-TALK QUIZ- https://tico4sk5f8u.typeform.com/to/ksaxvKAN
Episode links:
Link to a relevant episode of the podcast: https://thebigpicturepeople.co.uk/blog/podcast/dealing-with-organisational-burnout-s4-e21/