Before it rains, it sparkles, putting out a match is not the same as putting out a fire, and before a sick leave due to anxiety or burnout, there are many signs that may indicate that employees are burned out.
Early intervention is key!
Paying attention to these signs and having support is what can make the difference between a burnout (with all that it can entail: sick leave, absenteeism, relational problems, etc…) or simply a bad streak, whether we want to or not we can all go through it.
Are your employees about to burn out?
76% of employees report moderate to high or high stress levels.
33% report that high stress levels affect productivity.
The main cause of work-related stress is the workload (73%).
*Data on the prevalence of work stress in the United Kingdom (HSE).
We bring you, just some, of the signs that employees can give and that can be signs of job burnout.
- Lack of motivation: If you notice that your employees seem less enthusiastic about their work and seem to have less energy and passion for their daily tasks, it could be a sign that they are emotionally drained.
- Changes in behavior: If you notice that employees are acting differently than is normal for them, like they are emotional or more distant, it may be a sign of burnout. Depersonalization and cynicism, mood swings, or irritability and harsh treatment become common patterns for a burnt-out worker.
- Absenteeism or delay: If you notice employees missing work more often or arriving late more often, this could indicate that they are having trouble motivating themselves to come to work.
- Reduced productivity: If you notice that employees are taking longer to complete tasks or making more mistakes than usual, it may be an indication that they are suffering from mental fatigue.
- Health Complaints: If your employees are complaining of headaches, trouble sleeping, muscle aches, or upset stomachs, it could be a sign that they are experiencing high levels of stress and fatigue.
- Isolation behaviour: If you notice employees avoiding social interaction or isolating themselves in their workspace, or displaying unusual calmness, this could be an indicator that they are dealing with mental fatigue issues.
What is burnout? Can it be given in any profession?
El Burnout, following the definition given by Apiquian. M (2007) would be defined as "a response to chronic work stress, a subjective experience that encompasses feelings and attitudes with harmful implications for the person and the organization and generally occurs mainly in the work environment of professions that focus on the provision of services and attention to the public” although other authors such as Maslach and Jackson (2009) emphasize that Burnout Syndrome can affect professionals of any profession.
Just as a small flame can become a big fire if it is not put out in time, the burnout Labor is a process in which the worker progressively suffers and begins to develop a negative psychological reaction towards his work occupation, with consequences that can also be manifested with colleagues as well as with clients, or in the family environment.
According to OSHA, in its origins, the syndrome of Burnout it was identified to a greater extent in those professions that are related to dealing with the public and clients, also called social exposure.
The symptoms that people with Burnout can experience can be of three types:
- Psychosomatic: chronic fatigue, insomnia, weight loss, hypertension, headaches (...)
- emotional sensations: irritability, general anxiety, frustration (...)
- Behavioral symptoms: apathy, pessimism, difficulty concentrating, conflict (...)
How can it be prevented?
We live in a time where physical health is finally given the same importance as mental health. Therefore, it is worth investing in prevention, and caring for the emotional health of employees is essential. ““Mens sana in corpore sana”, today means happy employees and leading companies thanks to the Employee Assistance Program. and here it enters Healthy Work.
employee assistance program Healthy work allows any employee or family member who is going through a difficult time to access immediate help. Twenty-four hours a day, every day of the year, through a toll-free line, by phone, mail or the APP, you can request psychological, legal or financial support. The help is no longer generic and becomes individualized and the service is totally confidential. Having help, for those difficult moments that we all go through, is a luxury and one of the tools that can get us out of the precipice, especially in situations of work stress. In addition, if this help is provided by the company, the good habits of the employees, their time and dedication are encouraged, resulting in a general improvement of the work environment.
Investment in prevention through the PAE is not only a humanitarian investment, it is also an investment in productivity. According to a 2020 Deloitte study, for every euro invested there is a return of five euros.
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