Burnout and fatigue are increasingly prevalent challenges in the workplace, affecting productivity, employee satisfaction, and overall wellbeing. Managers play a critical role in mitigating these issues, best through evidence-based, scientific measures. Here are key strategies to help improve burnout and stress fatigue among employees.
Promote Life Balance
Flexible Work Schedules: Allowing employees to have flexible work hours or remote work options can significantly reduce stress and burnout. A study by Moen et al. (2016) found that flexibility in the workplace improves employee wellbeing and reduces stress levels.
Example: Implement a policy together with HR that allows employees to choose their start and end times within a specified range.
Encourage Regular Physical Activity
Exercise Programmes: Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce symptoms of burnout and improve mental health. A big meta study by Conn et al. (2009) highlights that workplace exercise programmes enhance employee wellbeing.
Example: Offer gym memberships or organise group fitness activities such as yoga or walking meetings.
Provide Mental Health Resources
Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) like HOWDY: Access to counselling and mental health support can help employees manage stress. Encourage employees to continuously answer the bi-weekly Howdy questions to help them keep track of their wellbeing and for you as managers to be able to take early preventive actions for your employees. Research by Attridge (2019) indicates that EAPs are effective in reducing workplace stress and improving mental health.
Example: Leverage mental health professionals like HOWDY to provide confidential counselling services.
Foster a Supportive Work Environment
Peer Support Groups like Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Encouraging peer support and communication can help alleviate feelings of isolation and burnout. According to a study by Halbesleben (2006), social support in the workplace is a critical buffer against stress and burnout.
Example: Establish regular team check-ins or peer mentoring programmes.
Implement Job Crafting
Redesigning Job Roles: Allowing employees to shape their job roles to better fit their skills and interests can reduce burnout. Wrzesniewski and Dutton (2001) found that job crafting leads to increased job satisfaction and reduced burnout.
Example: As a manager be open for employees to propose changes to their job descriptions that align with their strengths and interests.
Encourage Regular Breaks
Microbreaks: Short, frequent breaks can significantly reduce fatigue and improve productivity. A study by Kim et al. (2017) demonstrated that microbreaks help replenish energy and decrease stress.
Example: Promote a culture where taking short breaks is encouraged, such as using the Pomodoro Technique.
In Conclusion
Implementing these measures can create a healthier, more productive work environment, reducing burnout and stress fatigue among employees.
References
- Moen, P., Kelly, E. L., & Lam, J. (2016). Healthy work revisited: Do changes in time strain predict well-being? Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 21(4), 404.
- Conn, V. S., Hafdahl, A. R., Cooper, P. S., Brown, L. M., & Lusk, S. L. (2009). Meta-analysis of workplace physical activity interventions. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 37(4), 330-339.
- Attridge, M. (2019). Employee assistance programs: Evidence and current trends. Handbook of Occupational Health Psychology, 2, 297-317.
- Halbesleben, J. R. B. (2006). Sources of social support and burnout: A meta-analytic test of the conservation of resources model. Journal of Applied Psychology, 91(5), 1134.
- Wrzesniewski, A., & Dutton, J. E. (2001). Crafting a job: Revisioning employees as active crafters of their work. Academy of Management Review, 26(2), 179-201.
- Kim, S., Park, Y., & Niu, Q. (2017). Micro-break activities at work to recover from daily work demands. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 38(1), 28-44.