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How to Effectively Address Employee Burnout and Stress in the Workplace

Did you know that burnout affects about 70% of employees? This is alarming, considering how burned-out employees are over 50% more likely to seek a new job. So stress levels in the workplace can decrease retention, productivity, and overall efficiency in your business.

Do you want to avoid this? Let’s figure out how.

What Is Employee Burnout?

Employee burnout is a phenomenon that occurs when employees experience chronic stress and exhaustion due to their work. It can manifest in various ways, such as physical fatigue, emotional exhaustion, and decreased motivation. Burnout can significantly impact an employee's mental health, job performance, and well-being.

Some common causes of employee burnout include excessive workload, lack of control over one's work environment, poor management, and insufficient support from colleagues or superiors. Leadership style plays a vital role in a team to work together and keep growing while embracing changes. Highly committed employees may also be more susceptible to burnout because they often feel compelled to go above and beyond their duties.

The consequences of employee burnout can be severe for both the individual and the organization. Burned-out employees are likely to experience absenteeism, turnover, reduced productivity, or a workplace defamation case. They may also suffer from physical health problems such as headaches, digestive issues, and insomnia.

There are many ways to lessen (and perhaps get rid of) employee burnout. One way is by using employee monitoring software to keep an eye on employees' activities and support them in times of burnout. However, there are many different types of stress, and this is not a one-size-fits-all solution.

First, let's explore the different types of stress that cause employee burnout.

What Are The Different Types of Workplace Stress?

Task-related stress

Task-related stress is a type of workplace stress that occurs when employees feel overwhelmed by their workload or have difficulty managing their time effectively. Employees may experience task-related stress for several reasons, including:

Workload: Employees may feel stressed if they have fewer tasks within a given timeframe. This can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed and under pressure.

Time management: Poor time management skills can also contribute to task-related stress. If employees manage their time effectively, they may be able to complete tasks within deadlines or find themselves working long hours.

Lack of resources: Employees may feel stressed if they need more resources or support to complete their tasks successfully. For example, if an employee needs help from a colleague but does not receive it.

Interpersonal stress

Interpersonal stress arises from conflicts with colleagues or superiors, poor communication, or feeling isolated at work. Employees may experience this type of stress from:

Conflicts with colleagues: They might have disputes with colleagues over issues such as work responsibilities or personal differences. These conflicts can cause tension in the workplace and make it difficult to work effectively together.

Poor communication: Ineffective communication between colleagues, employees, and their superiors can also contribute to interpersonal stress. Misunderstandings or unclear expectations can lead to frustration and confusion.

Feeling isolated: Some employees may feel isolated at work if they do not have good working relationships with their colleagues or feel excluded from social activities in the workplace.

Organizational stress

Organizational stress arises from factors related to the organization itself, such as its culture, policies, and work environment. This can lead to frustration, burnout, and reduced job satisfaction. Employees may experience organizational stress because of the following:

Piling Workload: A heavy workload or unrealistic deadlines can contribute to organizational stress. Employees may feel overwhelmed and need help to keep up with their responsibilities.

Lack of control: Feeling like they have little control over their work or decision-making processes can also cause organizational stress.

Poor leadership: Poor leadership or management practices can contribute to organizational stress by creating a hostile work environment or causing confusion about job expectations.

Lacking Work-life balance: A lack of work-life balance can also contribute to organizational stress if employees cannot meet personal obligations outside of work.