How to ... Tackle burnout in the workplace
Allowing employees to work themselves to a standstill benefits no one, including the employer.
Some companies may actually reward employees who work to the exclusion of all else or penalise those who ask for help. But burnout can stifle innovation and lead to a toxic workplace.
Lyndy van den Barselaar, MD at ManpowerGroup SA, says managers need to be on the lookout for the symptoms of burnout in their team members.
"Burnout will not only cause physical and mental health issues for employees, but will also cause ineffectiveness. It is in employers' best interests to ensure they take the correct steps to mitigate this."
She has the following advice: There are many forms burnout can take - as a manager make sure employees are coping and make it clear there will be no stigma admitting to being overwhelmed.
A more flexible work day can protect at-risk employees.
Working flat out for 11 months and then taking a month off can be too much for some employees. Managers can encourage their team members to take more frequent, shorter holidays, even long weekends...
There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.
From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.
For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.
Already subscribed? Sign in below.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.