Many employees are experiencing burnout, especially with the denormalization of the 9-to-5 workday. Thanks to smartphones and computer access, employees now take work home with them too.
Trevor Bogan, Regional Director at Top Employers Institute joins the Security Clearance Careers Podcast and provides valuable insights regarding burnout and how employees can counteract it.
Burnout is a term used to describe the feeling of exhaustion, both physical and emotional, that comes from prolonged exposure to stress. Employees who suffer from burnout may feel disconnected from their work and their colleagues, and may struggle to find the motivation to perform their daily tasks. This can lead to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and higher employee turnover rates.
Those who come from the armed services are no stranger to this, and SCIF life while other industries are working from home 100% of the time can perpetuate this burnout in addition to some jealous tendencies.
Beating Burnout and Boosting Employee Resilience
Fortunately, there are steps that employers can take to help their employees avoid burnout and build resilience. One of the most important things that employers can do is to create a positive work environment that promotes open communication, teamwork, and healthy work-life balance. Employers can also offer resources such as stress management workshops or wellness programs that encourage employees to take care of their physical and mental health.
In addition to these workplace strategies, there are also personal steps that individuals can take to build their own resilience and protect themselves from burnout. These include practicing self-care, setting boundaries between work and personal life, and taking breaks throughout the day to recharge and refocus. By taking these steps, individuals can build their resilience and maintain a healthy work-life balance, even in the face of high levels of stress and pressure. Technology is at our fingertips, which is a blessing a curse. So, opt for audio only / walking meetings when you can. Because ultimately, burnout stifles creativity.
The Top Employers Institute is the global HR authority on certifying excellence in employee conditions. They collect data through benchmarking and inform companies on what they are just getting wrong when it comes to HR / workplace issues. Bogan notes that leadership can create a culture of belonging and inclusivity in a competitive market to keep employees, maintaining retention numbers, and avoiding other HR nightmares. He also has a background in staffing, and encourages recruiters to adapt these strategies to prevent burnout…especially around the holidays when requirements linger but candidates may not be interested in a conversation.
