What Factors Seem To Essentially Contribute To Burnout Stress?
1. Expectation of greater workload and longer hours
2. Loss of individual autonomy, over scheduling, predictable income, loss of trust and respect of your professional role
3. Pressure to take on more risks as your business system demands compliance and to decrease costs but increase “quality”
4. Inability to balance personal and professional life
5. Decreased company or peer socialization and collegiality
6. Lack of positive and timely feedback from management or the owners of the company
7. Difficulty in saying “No” （at work, home, church, volunteer activities, or in the community）
8. Unrealistic expectations from customers or employees
What Can You Do About Burnout Stress
Try implementing a burnout avoidance program within your company. The components of the program include monitoring employees who look like candidates for early flameouts. You know the ones, burning the candle at both ends and trying to conquer and master all in an unrealistic time frame. Traditionally the workplace has rewarded that type of employee behavior by pats on the backs, promotions or other forms of recognition. The message is subtle but clear: We like that kind of attitude and action. But will it feel so good when the employee flames out?
As a manager or employer, do you encourage or even insist that employees take time off to vacate and recreate? Do you monitor your own actions to determine if you are setting an example that others will follow?
We can also learn a lesson about burnout from Mother Nature. She demonstrates the importance of balance. Even she recognizes that plants, trees and animals can't constantly grow and expand. They need an opportunity to rest and to replenish diminished resources. She provides this balance through the seasons of the year to accommodate the needs of nature.
Burnout is costly, and it is preventable. It takes a personal commitment by the employees, the management and by the company to take proactive steps to prevent or address early signs of burnout. It will take your commitment as a manager and as a person to detect and address those situations that lead up to this stress related syndrome. |
