Employee burnout is a common phenomenon, officially recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), caused by stressful workplace conditions and poorly managed companies. Symptoms go beyond mere exhaustion and manifest as physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion, often resulting from prolonged exposure to high job demands and limited support. A Gallup study published in 2020 revealed that nearly 76% of employees experience occupational burnout at least some time in their career, with 28% reporting frequent burnout.

The causes of burnout are multifaceted, encompassing factors such as excessive workload, lack of structure, poor work-life balance, and inadequate resources. A lack of clear communication and transparency within an organization can also contribute to feelings of uncertainty and job dissatisfaction, further fueling burnout. 

Luckily, there are many ways for management to catch signs of burnout before it takes a severe toll (or before it even happens) in the workplace.

Know the signs of burnout 

Before you get concerned and run out and make a bunch of changes to your workplace, potentially creating confusion, make sure you know the signs of employee burnout. Knowing the signs will help you identify issues before they become significant problems. 

Physical exhaustion

Employees may exhibit extreme fatigue, tiredness, and a lack of energy. Feeling drained and having difficulty recovering from work-related stress are critical physical indicators. Keep an eye out for a decrease in energy or even physical signs of exhaustion (such as bags under the eyes), but rather than commenting that someone looks tired, make time to check in and ask if there’s anything they need, like a couple of days off, or a work from home day. 

Emotional distress

Burnout often leads to emotional exhaustion. Employees may become more irritable, moody, or display heightened emotional reactions. They may also experience a sense of detachment or cynicism towards their work. If your team, which typically works together perfectly, darts to have issues, or you notice an employee is exhibiting changes in behavior, this could be a sign that they are starting to get burned out. 

Poor performance 

Burnout can negatively impact job performance. Employees may need help to meet deadlines, make mistakes, and experience a decline in the quality of their work. Difficulty concentrating is a common symptom of burnout and can be one of the main reasons for decreased productivity. If you notice that one of your workers is producing less or the quality of their work has changed, be sure to check in with them. 

Frequently calling out

Burnout can lead to increased absenteeism as employees may need more sick days or time off to cope with stress and exhaustion. Letting employees take personal days when needed can help prevent last-minute calls out of work. Making space for workers to rest will likely result in less absenteeism and better communication between managers and employees. 

Changes in behavior

Employees experiencing burnout may exhibit changes in behavior, such as withdrawal from colleagues or social activities, increased use of substances like alcohol or caffeine, or changes in eating habits. These changes can affect employees in and out of the office, so managers should address any changes they see in the workplace respectfully and privately. 

Employee burnout often has various signs and symptoms, many of them physical. Here are some common indicators of employee burnout to help you stay aware and proactive.

Implement flexibility 

Flexible workplace options are a powerful antidote to burnout by fostering a more adaptable and accommodating work environment. One key factor is the promotion of work-life balance. Employees gain the freedom to tailor their work schedules to better align with their personal lives, eliminating the rigidity that can lead to burnout. 

Some ways to ensure flexible options are in place: 

• Give the option to utilize flexible hours
• Offer compressed workweeks if everyone is onboard
• If your team is in the office, consider a hybrid schedule
• Provide employees with a coworking space where they can work if they have a long commute

Having options affords individuals the autonomy to address their professional and personal commitments while also promoting balance, which helps mitigate stress levels and reduce the risk of burnout often arising from the demands of the 9-to-5 structure.

Additionally, customizing work settings plays a pivotal role in preventing burnout. Flexible workplaces recognize that individuals have diverse needs in their work environment. By providing this flexibility, managers show that they understand the importance of individual preferences, empowering employees to establish surroundings that enhance their focus and job satisfaction. 

Show your appreciation and recognition

Expressing appreciation and recognizing employee achievements is essential to preventing employee burnout. When individuals feel valued and acknowledged for their contributions, it creates a positive and motivating work environment. 

Make sure that your employees receive regular recognition, instilling in employees a sense of purpose and accomplishment. This positive reinforcement fosters a strong sense of belonging and is a buffer against the emotional exhaustion that often precedes burnout. Showing appreciation and recognition contributes to a culture of trust and open communication within the workplace. Employees who feel seen and appreciated are likelier to engage actively in their roles and maintain a higher level of commitment.

Overall, showing appreciation and recognizing achievements is a proactive strategy for preserving employee well-being and creating a resilient workforce.

Reduce or distribute workload

Burnout often stems from the persistent and overwhelming demands placed on individuals, leading to physical and emotional exhaustion. By strategically managing and optimizing workloads, organizations can create a more sustainable pace for their employees. 

Ways to help redistribute or lessen workloads are:

• Set realistic expectations
• Engage in effective delegation
• Communicate and be considerate of individual capacities
• Create a foundation for sustained productivity 

In addition to preventing burnout, a reduced workload enhances job satisfaction and overall morale. Employees are more likely to feel accomplished and fulfilled when managing their responsibilities effectively. A manageable workload fosters an environment where creativity and innovation can thrive, as individuals have the mental and emotional space to contribute their best ideas. 

Promote autonomy

Workplace autonomy gives employees a sense of control and empowerment. When individuals can make decisions about their tasks, projects, and schedules, it fosters a greater sense of ownership and responsibility. When managers micromanage their employees, it can contribute to extreme burnout. 

A study conducted by Accountemps revealed that 68% of workers surveyed felt that being micromanaged by their boss was the most significant workplace stressor, and there’s no shortage of literature about the adverse effects of existing in a controlling environment. 

Here are some of the major problems caused by micromanagement 

• Micromanaging erodes trust, leading to decreased job satisfaction among employees
• Constant control inhibits creativity and innovation 
• Micromanagement creates a high-stress environment, with employees feeling constantly scrutinized and pressured
• A lack of trust and autonomy can result in low morale
• Employees often leave their jobs when they overthink control, increasing turnover rates.
• Micromanagement can lead to delays in decision-making, as decisions often require approval at various levels.
• Constant monitoring can lead to micro-communication, where employees are reluctant to share information due to fear of criticism.

Micromanaged employees are at a higher risk of burnout due to the chronic stress of being closely monitored and controlled. Making an effort to relinquish control and have faith in the people you’ve hired may be the most crucial step towards high-quality output and a more positive workplace. When individuals feel trusted to manage their responsibilities, it promotes a positive work culture built on mutual respect and confidence, creating a buffer against the stressors that can lead to burnout.

Check-in with your employees regularly

Regular check-ins between employees and their managers are instrumental in preventing burnout by fostering open communication, providing support, and ensuring that workloads remain manageable. Check-ins offer a structured space for employees to discuss their progress, share concerns about common workplace issues, and seek guidance. Managers can gain insights into employees' challenges through these conversations and collaboratively find solutions. 

Some key ways to establish a routine of regular check-ins in the workplace: 

• Set up regular one-on-one or team meetings to discuss ongoing projects, goals, and challenges employees may face.
• Leverage collaboration tools, video conferencing, or messaging platforms to facilitate communication, especially in remote or distributed work settings.
• Create a culture where employees feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and concerns during check-ins.
• Ensure that check-ins align with individual and team goals, providing an opportunity to assess progress and adjust priorities.
• Train managers on effective communication and active listening skills to enhance the quality of check-in interactions.
• Establish a feedback loop where employees can provide input on their experiences with check-ins, ensuring continuous improvement.
• Be flexible with the format and frequency of check-ins to accommodate different work styles and preferences.
• Collaboratively set short-term and long-term goals during check-ins, allowing employees to stay focused and motivated.
• Incorporate discussions on well-being and stress management to address signs of burnout early on.

Additionally, regular check-ins enable managers to recognize and appreciate employees' efforts, reinforcing a positive work environment. By maintaining a consistent line of communication, managers can proactively address potential stressors and work towards creating a supportive atmosphere that actively combats burnout.

Incorporate wellness benefits into your offer

Incorporating wellness benefits into a workplace benefits package is a proactive strategy to prevent burnout and promote employee well-being. Comprehensive wellness programs can address health's physical, mental, and emotional aspects, creating a holistic approach to combat burnout. 

Start by providing access to fitness programs, gym memberships, or wellness classes to encourage physical activity, which has been shown to reduce stress and improve overall mood. Mental health resources, such as counseling services or employee assistance programs, should also be included to support individuals dealing with stress or burnout. Additionally, consider offering mindfulness and stress management workshops to equip employees with practical tools for navigating the challenges of the modern workplace. By recognizing the importance of downtime, organizations signal a commitment to employee well-being, creating a workplace culture that actively prevents burnout and supports sustained productivity.

And remember, have fun!

Integrating fun into the workplace is a valuable strategy for preventing employee burnout and fostering a positive work culture. Managers can start by incorporating playful elements, such as team-building games, themed events, or casual social gatherings, which can create a more relaxed atmosphere. When employees enjoy their time at work, it counterbalances the stresses of daily tasks, reducing the risk of burnout. 

Company retreats, in particular, offer a fantastic opportunity to inject fun and relaxation into the work environment. Company retreats focusing on team-building are an excellent way to incorporate fun and relaxation into the workplace. Letting employees interact outside the office and take a break from their routines allows them to recharge and connect with colleagues in a different context. 

For workplaces considering their first off-site retreat, Surf Office can help figure out the details, helping guide and create a customized plan. Whether the goal is to spark inspiration for the new year or help employees recover from burnout, Surf Office can assist in designing a retreat that combines professional development, team-building activities, and leisure to ensure a well-rounded and enjoyable experience. By investing in these retreats, companies not only prevent burnout but also strengthen team dynamics and foster a culture that values the well-being of its employees.