Battling Burnout: 5 Powerful Steps Every Manager Must Take.
Burnout is becoming increasingly common, and it is crucial that managers take employee concerns seriously and address the root causes.
As a recent Deloitte study shows, 77% of professionals experience burnout at their current job, and this can lead to job turnover and other problems. However, managers often lack the training to know how to deal with it. In this article, I will provide you with five steps to take when an employee comes to you expressing burnout concerns.
Step 1: Treat the employee’s burnout concerns seriously.
- Schedule a dedicated one-on-one conversation, no rushed hallway chats, please! Show that you care, that you’re invested. It’s time to foster a genuine connection.
- Embrace the power of deep listening. Give your employee the space to pour their heart out without interruption. Let their words dance in the air, painting a vivid picture of their struggles. Remember, silence speaks volumes.
- Active listening 101: repeat what you’ve heard. Validate their emotions, their pain, their journey. Only when they feel understood can the healing truly begin.
Step 2: Decode the burnout experience.
Picture this: your employee’s emotions are a stormy sea, with waves of negativity crashing against their weary shores. But is it just a passing tempest, or is it the ominous sign of burnout? Let’s dig deeper, with three questions that will help you navigate the maze of emotions.
Ask them:
- Do you still feel competent and effective in your role? Gauge their self-perception and identify areas where they may need additional support or coaching to regain their groove.
- Are you emotionally drained or experiencing physical symptoms of exhaustion? Keep an eye out for negative emotions, fatigue, or stress-related health issues. Remember, health should never be sacrificed at the altar of success.
- Have you lost that fire within, feeling disconnected from your colleagues and clients? This is where the journey takes a poignant turn. It’s time to explore whether the work that once ignited their soul is now smoldering in indifference.
Step 3: Unearth the roots of burnout.
Now it’s time to uncover the hidden causes of your employee’s burnout. By pinpointing the sources of their distress, you can craft tailored solutions to rekindle their spark.
Take action:
- Engage in open dialogue. Ask your employee about their greatest stressors. Encourage them to share their experiences, guiding them to reflect on specific instances that left them overwhelmed. Was it a mountainous workload or toxic workplace dynamics? Let their answers pave the path to understanding.
- Decode the sources. By examining their responses, you’ll gain invaluable insights into whether their stressors stem from external factors like financial pressures or internal ones like a lack of fulfillment. This clarity will guide you toward targeted solutions.
Step 4: Forge short- and long-term solutions.
Now it’s time to equip ourselves with the tools to tackle burnout head-on. Remember, you’re in this for the long haul, so we need both immediate and sustainable solutions. Let’s delve into action!
Take charge:
- Start with the present. Ask your employee, “What can we do right now to make things better?” Listen attentively to their suggestions, whether it’s extra support for a project, a renegotiated deadline, or a well-deserved breather. Demonstrate that you’re committed to their well-being.
- Embrace the future. Burnout isn’t a fleeting enemy; it requires long-term strategies for victory. Engage in forward-thinking conversations to identify lasting changes. Can flexibility be introduced into their workflow? Should they switch teams or projects? Together, brainstorm innovative solutions that will reignite their passion and purpose.
Step 5: Nurture the flame of progress.
Remember, this battle isn’t won with a single blow. You must ensure lasting change.
Take it to the next level:
- Envision the ideal state. Collaborate with your employee to define their vision of well-being and engagement in the long term. What does success look like for them? Energized after work? Meaningful connections? Let their aspirations shape the path forward.
- Design a monitoring plan. Establish regular check-ins to gauge progress and celebrate milestones. Keep the lines of communication open, providing continuous support and guidance. With your unwavering commitment, burnout will become a distant memory for your team.
Remember, burnout affects us all. It threatens our talent pool and hampers our collective success. But armed with empathy, resilience, and these actionable steps, you can navigate the storm and emerge stronger than ever before. Good luck ❤
