How to Deal with Burnout in the Workplace in 2023

 Let's face it, we've all experienced burnout at some point in our lives. Many workplaces make people especially susceptible to this. Even if you work for a really exciting company, the process of sitting in the same place, day after day, and going through the same routine can really start to weigh on you after a while.

However, work has to go on, so the best thing that employers can do is try to manage burnout and keep their offices as motivated as possible. And employees themselves can play a role in this. So what exactly can be done? Well, several things.

Support a healthy work/life balance by introducing hybrid working​

Since the onset of the pandemic, people have had to come to terms with the fact that they cannot always be around one another. While this is generally looked at as a negative, in terms of office life it can actually be used positively if done right. 

Although working from home might not be the best idea all of the time, allowing employees the opportunity to do it part of the time gives them a greater variety in their schedules and reduces the humdrum of that daily grind to the office.

If performance stays the same, there's no reason not to do this. Your employees will feel revitalized, and you'll notice the difference in their moods on the days when they are in the office. 

Introducing hybrid working can be an effective way to support a healthy work/life balance for employees. Hybrid working combines elements of remote work and office-based work, giving employees the flexibility to choose where and when they work.

Here are some ways to introduce hybrid working to support a healthy work/life balance:

- Offer flexible work arrangements: Allow employees to choose their own work schedule and location, whether that be working from home or coming into the office. This can help them to better balance their work and personal commitments.

- Set clear expectations: Establish clear guidelines for hybrid working, including expectations for work hours, communication, and productivity. This can help employees to feel more secure in their roles and ensure that they are meeting their work responsibilities.

- Provide the necessary technology: Ensure that employees have access to the technology they need to work remotely, including laptops, internet access, and communication tools like video conferencing software.

 - Encourage regular communication: Establish regular check-ins with employees to provide support and ensure that they are staying on track with their work. This can help to foster a sense of connection and community among remote workers.

 - Offer support and training: Provide training and resources to help employees adapt to hybrid working, including time management tips and strategies for staying focused and productive while working from home.

By introducing hybrid working and supporting a healthy work/life balance, companies can improve employee satisfaction and retention, while also increasing productivity and reducing workplace stress.

Mandate vacation time 

Everyone's heard about those terrible bosses who won't even allow their employees two weeks of vacation a year because this or that project has to be finished, etc. No. The US already provides less vacation time on average than practically any other country in the world. 

Allow your employees to take it. And leave them alone when they do. 

Another issue people face is that when they do make it to the beach, they are still overwhelmed by emails and they never end up enjoying themselves because they constantly stress out over what's going on back in the office.  

Plan regular fun activities with your staff to build close relationships​

It might sound silly, but it's true: Allowing for some "extracurricular" time with your employees and letting them get together out of work mode is a crucial part of keeping up company morale.

If your employees don't get the chance to know one another on a personal level, their daily routines will be all the more robotic. And even if they do, they deserve the opportunity to let loose once in a while and switch gears. Try planning monthly happy hours with your staff. Maybe take an excursion together. 

Take part in a photobooth project to get professional pictures taken. 

It will be a great way for your team to bond and mix up their group experiences. 

Schedule regular check-ins with your employees, and focus on wellbeing

Take the time to schedule regular one-on-one talks with each of your staff members. Make them semi-casual. And don't just run through a list of what they might have done well or poorly that week, but give them the opportunity to really express their feelings about how things are going in the office.

While you might not be able to solve every problem that arises, even giving staff members the opportunity to air their feelings will help keep them feeling upbeat and like they have a voice in company matters. And you might discover things that you didn't realize needed to be dealt with until they were brought to your attention. This goes for the receptionist too! 

Introducing hybrid working can be an effective way to support a healthy work/life balance for employees. Hybrid working combines elements of remote work and office-based work, giving employees the flexibility to choose where and when they work.

Here are some ways to introduce hybrid working to support a healthy work/life balance:

- Offer flexible work arrangements: Allow employees to choose their own work schedule and location, whether that be working from home or coming into the office. This can help them to better balance their work and personal commitments.

- Set clear expectations: Establish clear guidelines for hybrid working, including expectations for work hours, communication, and productivity. This can help employees to feel more secure in their roles and ensure that they are meeting their work responsibilities.

- Provide the necessary technology: Ensure that employees have access to the technology they need to work remotely, including laptops, internet access, and communication tools like video conferencing software.

- Encourage regular communication: Establish regular check-ins with employees to provide support and ensure that they are staying on track with their work. This can help to foster a sense of connection and community among remote workers.

- Offer support and training: Provide training and resources to help employees adapt to hybrid working, including time management tips and strategies for staying focused and productive while working from home.

By introducing hybrid working and supporting a healthy work/life balance, companies can improve employee satisfaction and retention, while also increasing productivity and reducing workplace stress.

Synthesize your results ​

When you talk to your staff members, make note of what they say. Don't make it public, of course, but keep it written down and look at all of the responses that you get together. If people are all complaining about the same things, then that's probably a clear indication that some changes need to be made.

Also, look back at your employee feedback over time and take the time to evaluate how the responses have changed. If you see an increase in employee satisfaction over time, you'll know you're on the right track! If not, it might be time to go back to the drawing board and see what else you can do.

Encourage healthy living 

It may sound obvious, but getting enough sleep is the most essential thing you can do to keep yourself going in life. Professionals these days are sorely lacking in sufficient shut eye on a daily basis, and this takes its toll over time. Even one night of improper sleep is enough to leave you feeling groggy and confused, and many people make a daily habit of it. In order to stay on top of the game, establish a strict sleep schedule for yourself and make a point of staying on it.

Exercise is another important thing. We all have busy schedules, but make a point of at least getting a good walk in several times a week. Yes, there are always other issues that seem to be pressing, but if you get out of the habit, your frustrations will start to build up faster than you realize. Exercising is a great way to free your mind and recharge your batteries. Including it in your schedule is a must. 

To encouraging healthy living in the workplace is important for promoting the physical and mental well-being of employees. Here are some ways to encourage healthy living in the working space:

- Provide healthy food options: Offering healthy food options in the workplace such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can encourage employees to make healthier food choices.

 - Promote physical activity: Encourage employees to take regular breaks and engage in physical activity such as walking, stretching or even a workout. Consider providing gym memberships or organizing fitness challenges.

- Promote good posture: Provide ergonomic chairs and desks, and offer training on good posture and ergonomics. This can help to prevent back pain and other work-related injuries.

- Encourage mental health breaks: Offer resources and support for employees to manage their stress levels, such as access to mental health services, meditation rooms or break areas.

- Provide resources for healthy living: Offer access to resources such as health and wellness seminars, healthy living workshops or training sessions, which can provide employees with knowledge and tools to make healthy choices in their personal and professional lives.

By implementing these strategies, companies can create a healthier work environment that promotes the well-being of their employees, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction.

Put it all together for a strong, energetic team! 

The bottom line is, if you're motivated to stay on top, you will find ways to infuse this in your team. Don't be afraid to try new ideas; your employees will appreciate you for it. The world is your oyster!