Anyone who has worked, at least once in their life, knows what stress feels like.
No matter what you feel about stress, science says it’s good for you. A little of it, at least. What’s not healthy is when you’re stressed for weeks on end. That could lead to burnout.
But how do you know if that stress you’re feeling is no longer the healthy kind?
As a good leader, it’s your job to watch for signs of burnout and find ways to motivate employees suffering from it.
Leaders Alert: 3 Signs of Burnout and How to Motivate Employees to Bounce Back
- Calling in Sick Multiple Times
Ever felt like you’re not feeling well, as if you don’t have enough energy to get up and face the day? You don’t have a fever, but you don’t feel right either. That’s a definite sign of burnout. It could happen to anyone, but those with high pressure roles are especially susceptible.
Employees experiencing this out-of-sorts feeling often call in sick. Of course, many supervisors know this is just a ruse to get a day off so they rarely give in. As a result, some employees are forced to drag themselves to work.
When that happens, burnout could manifest in different ways like tardiness, shoddy work and procrastination.
- Lack of Motivation or ‘Connection’ to Work
Okay your job might not be your dream job, but the paycheck and friends you have at work make things a tad more enjoyable for you, right?
When you’re experiencing burnout, however, that paycheck isn’t enough anymore. Even the prospect of going out on a Friday with the gang doesn’t excite you. Suddenly, the thought of working fills you with sadness… but you don’t know why.
What you’re feeling is burnout. But it’s even more dangerous because you might be at risk of depression. Feelings of helplessness, crying for no reason, and lack of connection to your job are signs that you need help.
If your employees exhibit these symptoms, no amount of feel-good talk will help. One of the best ways to motivate employees suffering from this affliction is to give them time to sort things out on their own.
- Feeling Pessimistic or Resenting Your Work and Colleagues
If an employee complains more than usual, that’s also a sign of burnout. Snapping at coworkers, feeling defensive and cranky for no reason are also definite symptoms.
Employees who act this way do so because they have needs that are not met. There are three ways to motivate employees acting this way. First is to appreciate them for their hard work. Just thank them for showing up in the office or submitting the work you asked. The second is to recognize their recent accomplishments.
The last method is to give the whole team a chance to unwind outside of work. You can have drinks or dinner together after work, or you can organize a family day for the whole team.
Notice Any of These Signs in Your Employees?
The signs of burnout aren’t always that obvious. It doesn’t always come in the form of an employee ranting, and then quitting publicly by posting a viral video on Facebook.
Now that you know the signs, I suggest you do a quick check of your employees. Do any of them show symptoms?
© 2015 Incedo Group, LLC
