May 27

Series: Preventing and Overcoming Burnout - Part 4

Part 4: Tips for Organizations to Overcome Burnout

Leaders are responsible for empowering their team members with access to the necessary development and resources that create a successful work environment. Managers are the best solution for preventing and/or eliminating burnout. Take time to learn what’s beyond burnout and be open to changing how your team is managed.

Consider the most common root causes of burnout and the actions to mitigate them.

Unfair treatment at work.
Treat everyone with respect and insist that employees do likewise.
Lead with honesty, transparency, and integrity.
Apply rules with fairness.
When making decisions, consider the impact it will have on every individual.
Honor the opinions and contributions of every employee.
Unmanageable workload.
Discuss the source of the workload and whether you are able to help reduce it.
Make it safe for employees to ask for help.
Identify core requirements, eliminate unnecessary steps, and reassign tasks.
Clarify roles and responsibilities.
Unclear communication from managers.
Have frequent, informal one-on-one conversations.
Schedule regular team meetings.
Focus on high-priority goals, discussing why they are important.
Encourage employees to ask about topics they want to learn more about.
Follow up discussions with notes and expectations.
Lack of manager support.
Regularly encourage employees and express appreciation for contributions.
Coach employees on how to develop their talents and overcome obstacles.
Ask how you can best support people to achieve their best performance.
Have short “quick connects” at least once a week.
Unreasonable time pressure.
With conflicting priorities, involve team members in setting realistic timelines.
Proactively communicate about work that is coming, setting clear expectations.
Discuss barriers that may impede work and how to balance demands.
Help employees set aside time for unforeseen events and provide flexibility.