When an employee loves her job, she does better work. The employer keeps her busy with new challenges, and she keeps doing her job efficiently. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work out this way. Sometimes, the employee keeps going until she can’t go anymore. An employee engaged with her work is a good thing, but burnout is a reality that should not be ignored.
Symptoms of Employee Burnout
When someone takes on high workloads, works long hours, or works in a high-stress environment, the chance for burnout increases. Psychology Today warns people to watch for the following symptoms, which could be an indication of burnout:
- Chronic fatigue
- Trouble sleeping
- Lack of focus
- Physical symptoms, such as chest pain and dizziness
- Illness that won’t go away because of a weakened immune system
- Loss of appetite
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability or anger
- Pessimism
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Poor performance
How to Avoid Burnout
Climbing out from under a load of chronic stress can be difficult and require time off from work. In fact, it will probably require some serious life changes. It’s much better to avoid burnout before it gets bad.
Employers and HR departments should monitor each employee’s workload, making sure no one is taking on too much work. Some people respond positively to work challenges, rising to the occasion, but many people will view a challenge as a mountain they can’t climb, which begins a cycle of hopelessness and anxiety. Employers should give out challenges with caution, and should be aware of what type of work each employee can handle best.
Employers can also encourage their employees to take breaks by not emailing or calling them after work hours or during the weekend. If work is kept strictly during work hours, then employees have time to refuel and offset work stress with home and social life.
Finally, employers should encourage wellness, whether that means providing a wellness program, encouraging an exercise routine, or providing healthy snacks and water bottles.
It’s not always easy to tell when an employee crosses the line between high engagement and burnout. Employers and HR departments can prevent burnout and employee turnover by being aware of the symptoms and taking measures to monitor their employees.
