3 strategies to reduce burnout on your team

Humans are very habitual and that creates a level of stability and security in our lives. When that gets disrupted, we end up floundering. Then add a state of fear and anxiety, a fear of uncertainty, a fear of the future, and it really impacts our immune system. Physiologically, our heart rates are elevated. We don’t sleep as well. What’s unique about burnout is that when we come to a place of exhaustion, sleeping is actually harder, not easier. Our body does not know how to relax or how to recharge.

If you’re working together, be aware of physical signs, like attention span, irritability and sickness. Also look at [the employee’s] overall level of engagement. When people reach a level of exhaustion, they tend not to engage in their environment as much. So that means if there’s team builders or activities, they don’t participate. They may also take a lot of breaks during the day, but they’re still not getting ahead because they’re not taking the time to actually rest.