Even before the pandemic, 96% of employers reported said they believed that at least some of their workers experienced burnout; and 91% of workers themselves said they feel burned out. Not surprising, in recent months employers report that burnout is on the rise. Many also report that they and/or their employees often feel isolated. Consider a few steps you can take to support your employees’ mental health, as well as your own:
- Remove the stigmas about mental health and wellbeing. Instead of framing it as a problem to be ‘fixed,’ acknowledge that feelings of stress and anxiety are not uncommon during a crisis such as a pandemic. In fact, these feelings often are exacerbated in workers who are especially engaged and dedicated to their work.
- Ramp up your communications. Realize that no single message or offering is a cure-all. Reach out to employees in different ways and offer a variety of opportunities for self-care. Talk regularly with employees and find out what support they want. Seek their feedback about the programs and services they’re using, such as mindfulness classes or online counseling.
- Offer workload relief. Data suggests that work-life balance has deteriorated significantly during the pandemic. Trying to find ways to relieve workers. If you can’t hire more staff or bring in temps, consider split shifts or longer shifts with more days off in between. Consider solutions such as job-sharing.
- Supplement wellness programs by scheduling brief video calls with your team solely to let them vent and share their feelings and concerns, being empathetic, brainstorming on ways to reduce stress and burnout, and encouraging your team to take earned time off.
