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They say it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish, and the wrong frame of mind can makes it feel impossible to finish at all. That’s why Part II of this conversation with MindTeam solutions breaks down burnout, it’s potential effects, and why it could be one of the most expensive issues your organization could face.

[0:29] Burnout Can Begin Day One

A recent piece in the Washington Post delved into the realities of burnout in the workplace, and some of the revelations were surprising. Burnout is not necessarily the result of a heavy workload or long hours, but an unsatisfactory work environment. It is nearly impossible to get the most out of ourselves when we consistently struggle with our motives for showing up for work and so encouraging engagement and preventing burnout has to be an organizational focus that starts at the top and permeates down to every interview with a potential new hire.

[3:11] Know Your Role

Everyone in your organization has a role, one which they have worked to cultivate and that adds to the overall capability of your team. This means that regularly showing appreciation for the people that power your organization is key to making them feel as though their efforts are being rewarded. While management must strive to create and maintain open lines of communication, your talent has a role to play in strengthening this connection as well, and should clearly communicate their specific needs from a workplace environment.

[4:30] Cultural Chains

Some of the responsibility for the lack of attention to mental health and professional fulfillment in the past stems from larger social themes. For generations, men in particular faced heavy pressure to ignore any personal issues for the safe of job performance, and shadows of this cultural indoctrination show even in the enlightened environments of today. For these reasons, it is imperative that organizations work to deliver emotional support resources, empowering employees to speak up when they face difficult moments.

[8:31] A Matter of Life and Death

With the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showing an 11 percent increase in occupational fatalities due to suicide, the sobering reality is clear: there are few things more incompatible with overall life satisfaction than a difficult work environment. This is an especially tragic side effect of a society where individuals are expected to ignore their emotional pain for professional purposes. Burnout may not be as visible as other afflictions, but the impact on the people in your organization can be just as severe.

[11:24] Leading by Example

Although awareness of mental health has certainly come a long way in a relatively short period of time, some old stigmas still persist and so getting buy-in for a workplace mental health initiative can prove to be a tricky prospect. One tried and true technique for getting your program off to a successful start is to have leadership demonstrate the merit of participation by offering their own stories. Opening dialogues in this way can put groups on equal footing, and make your team feel more secure in sharing their challenges.

[12:51] None of Your Business Hours

With the proliferation of tools that allow us to stay in contact with the people in our lives at virtually any time, the lines between our professional and personal lives can easily begin to blur. Team leaders who expect 24-hour availability from the people they rely on often do both themselves and their talent a disservice, denying them an opportunity to engage with other areas of their life and increasing the likelihood of burnout for a valued team member. Your employees should always feel free to enjoy some time removed from office responsibilities.

About the Shuler Group:

Dawn and Mark Shuler

The Shuler Group, LLC, is a 100% woman-owned consulting and training business specializing in strengths-based workplace and culture, communication, employee engagement, leadership and team development programs, as well as training to improve communication, sales, and performance in all areas of a company.

Website: https://www.theshulergroupllc.com
Email: https://www.theshulergroupllc.com/connect-with-us/
Phone: (301) 842-8970

Connect with MindTeam Solutions:
Website: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/mindteamsolutions
Email: Info@MindTeamSolutions.com
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/mindteamsolutions