Mayor's Office of Employee Assistance
Watch Out for Employee Burnout
It happens in every workplace. Employees who
were once enthusiastic, confident workers start to come in late and call in sick more often. Their productivity drops and their attitudes turn sour. They complain about their health and may even show signs of abusing alcohol or drugs. These workers
may be showing signs of employee burnout.
As an employer or manager, it’s important to recognize the symptoms of burnout, understand its causes and take action to help an employee
recover, if possible.
What Is Burnout?
Burnout is a state of physical and/or emotional exhaustion that results from unrelenting stress. Burnout occurs when a person has been involved in a frustrating or intensely demanding situation for a long time without adequate rest and recreation. Although often discussed in relation to the workplace, burnout also hits those who shoulder demanding caregiving responsibilities for small children or sick and elderly individuals.
What Causes Job Burnout?
A person who has been passed over for a promotion may lose his or her motivation at work. Reorganization, continual change and overwork without recognition or sufficient payback also contribute to employee burnout. Individuals who work in downsizing companies may burn out because they’re expected to do more work in less time. Employees who anticipate leaving a job may also exhibit
burnout behavior because they no longer feel an investment in the workplace. Employees can bring on their own burnout by overworking and not setting appropriate boundaries.
Symptoms of Employee Burnout
changes in work habits and attitude
loss of motivation
absenteeism/tardiness
negativity and emotional outbursts
health problems
increased use of drugs or alcohol
What Can You Do to Help?
Readjust workloads creatively when your
department loses employees due to downsizing.
Whenever possible, give advance notice
about changes in positions and assignments.
Firm up schedules to provide a sense of
continuity during uncertain times.
Redistribute workloads or break larger
projects into smaller ones to help overworked
employees.
Be a good listener. Give employees a
chance to vent their frustrations.
Schedule a team event outside the
organization to promote loyalty.
Refer employees to resources available
in your community or through your Employee Assistance Program (EAP).