The article discusses effective methods of overcoming professional burnout and increasing employee motivation. The author offers practical advice for managers on creating a healthy work environment and supporting the team.
Combating burnout
Timely identification of the problem
In times of war, we often encounter such phenomena as fatigue, emotional burnout, disruption of the balance between work and personal life, and a decrease in motivation and involvement of personnel. Although these problems seem natural, we rarely actively seek solutions to them.
Maria Myroniuk, strategist, creative director and coach of MYRONIUK CONSULTING, shares her thoughts on this current topic.
Maria Myronyuk (Kuzmenok), photo provided by the author
Agree, it is difficult to imagine the situation, when a successful specialist turns to the manager with the problem of burnout or loss of motivation. Why? Because it is perceived as a manifestation of weakness, and it is not easy for everyone else either. In addition, there is the fear of losing the position, which is not so common in good companies. These and other prejudices prevent solving the problem at the initial stage.
So how can a leader spot the first signs of burnout in a team in time and discuss it? Are there tools to increase motivation other than financial incentives and honor boards? Let's consider some important steps.
First steps to solving the problem
One of the first signs of professional burnout is the moment when an activity that used to inspire and excite employee, ceases to evoke emotions, turning into a routine, and new challenges are only annoying. At this stage, it is important to pause. If possible, you should take a vacation, a day off in the middle of the week, or spend a working day off schedule. This is the first stage of diagnosis, which:
gives the employee the opportunity to distract from the routine, reset, focus on what can arouse interest and inspiration;
allows management to show care, empathy, understanding and support. "I hear you and I'm ready to help, there's no shame in talking about it."
Employees often do not dare to talk about their problems, but being able to identify them in time will help to avoid deep burnout in the future.
Practical tips
Have individual conversations with colleagues, ask about their affairs;
Find out which aspects of work are currently causing the most difficulty;
Determine which operational tasks consume the most time, resources and energy;
Try to find a solution together. Perhaps part of the work can be delegated to a junior specialist? Can I hire an assistant?
Working together, you can find some comfortable compromises to detect and prevent burnout early.
Prevention instead of treatment
Even colds are better treated with the first symptoms, than to knock down a high temperature. So talk to your colleagues over lunch about what's missing to create an environment that promotes a healthy work rhythm. It can be a flexible schedule, the possibility of remote work, joint trips to the bar at the expense of the company, a change in the tone of communication in individual departments. It is important that everyone can express their wishes without fear of negative consequences.
Anonymous Survey
Sometimes we advise managers to conduct an anonymous survey via Google Forms with the following questions:
What is currently causing difficulties at work?
What was the last challenge you faced?
Solving which problem is important to you?
How will this affect your future work?
For one of our clients, this simple questionnaire helped raise the issue of environmental communication within the team, the need for which was previously only discussed behind the back. We held a two-hour workshop on synchronizing the team and creating internal communication rules. After that, two key employees quit, which turned out to destabilize the team, and the business began to grow.
The importance of breaks
In the rhythm of constant multitasking, it is easy to forget the need for regular breaks. However, research shows that taking short breaks during the workday improves concentration and overall productivity. Encourage employees to take breaks, walk, or even exercise throughout the day. The right balance between work and rest promotes better engagement and reduces the risk of emotional burnout.
During strategy sessions, which last 7-9 hours a day, we invite participants to go outside, take a walk, observe trees and cars, breathe fresh air. After all, it is difficult for the brain to be productive for a long time in one space. Do not wear out the emotional system of employees like old jeans. Give them and yourself a break.
Practical steps
Set a calendar reminder for your commands for 15 minutes every day with a call to take a break. This will not destroy your important meetings, but on the contrary - it will show that people are important to you!
Take table tennis outside or offer corporate yoga or crossfit. Anything to get people out of the work bubble.
This will not bring direct profit to the business, but you yourself know that finding new people for the team is much more expensive.
Creating new stories
Do you know what your colleague wanted to be as a child? At what age did he develop the skills that he uses in your company today? How does he see his role in the company in a year or two? What is his personal contribution to the overall success?
When we talk with the team not only about work, but also about dreams, desires, goals - we once again confirm "You exist and you are important!". Let someone say these words in your ear right now, and you will definitely feel an increase in dopamine levels.
The ability to sincerely give compliments, show empathy, and recognize the achievements of employees is a special skill that should be developed every day. By creating new stories together, you will have much more in common than a LinkedIn tag and a corporate photo.
Recommendations
Organize an evening where instead of the last two hours of work you will talk about personal.
Ask your colleagues: what did they want to be when they were children? What qualities were manifested in them at a young age, and now help them to be successful?
What hobbies do they have?
Or dreams - can you somehow help in their realization?
People who are listened to, interested in, and receive positive feedback about their work are more likely to remain inspired and involved in the work process. Create a culture of recognition in the company where every employee feels that their contribution is noticed and valued. And he can implement his ambitious ideas together with us.
Integration of senses
Motivation is not a universal menu with a clear list of items. What works for one person may not be effective for another, and may even be annoying.
Practical tips
Learn about individual needs and expectations your colleagues in professional life.
Can the company provide this? Financial incentives, the possibility of career growth, personal development, interesting business trips, testing ideas and hypotheses within the business as part of self-realization, developing your own product in the same niche. Why not?
Make a realistic plan together for when and what you might start implementing.
The ability to highlight one's own meanings and integrate them into the usual work will help create a stronger bond between the employee and the company and ensure lasting loyalty.
Burnout is not a constant, but a dynamic process that requires attention and flexibility from top managers and owners. It is important not to put out fires gymnastically, but to create conditions in which employees will feel heard, "part" of the team, and not workers at the factory.
Glossary
- MYRONIUK CONSULTING is a consulting company specializing in strategic planning and business development
- LinkedIn - a social network for finding and establishing business contacts
- Google Forms - a tool for creating online surveys and questionnaires from of Google
- Dopamine is a neurotransmitter responsible for the feeling of satisfaction and motivation
- Work-life balance - a balance between work and personal life
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Answers to questions
How to recognize early signs of professional burnout in employees?
What methods can be used to prevent team burnout?
What role do breaks play in preventing emotional burnout?
How to create a culture of recognition in the company to increase employee motivation?
How to effectively motivate employees, taking into account their individual needs?
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Discussion of the topic – 5 Effective Burnout Strategies: How to Keep Your Team Motivated During War
Maria Myronyuk's column on how to prevent burnout and maintain team motivation in wartime. The expert shares practical tips for overcoming fatigue, stress and maintaining a work-life balance.
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Oleksandra
Interesting article! I also notice that recently many colleagues complain of burnout. This is especially true for those who work remotely. Perhaps it is worth introducing some measures to support team spirit? 🤔
Maksym
I agree with Oleksandra. At our company, we recently started having weekly online meetings where we just chat about non-work topics. It helps to distract and feel the support of colleagues. Maybe try something similar?
Natalia
Oh, that's a great idea, Maksym! 👍 And I also think that it is important to hold regular one-on-one meetings with the manager. This helps to identify problems in time and find solutions before the situation becomes critical.
Viktor
All this talk about burnout is just a fad. Before, people worked and did not complain. And now give everyone special conditions and entertainment at work. Nothing, they will work - they will get used to it.
Inna
Viktor, I cannot agree with you. The world is changing, and so are approaches to work. It is important to take care of the psychological health of employees, because it affects the productivity of the entire team. By the way, we have implemented a mental health support program at work - it really works! 💪
Oleksandra
Inna, tell us more about your program! Sounds interesting. We are just looking for new ideas to improve the working atmosphere.
Inna
Of course Oleksandra! We have access to online consultations with a psychologist, regular webinars on stress management and work-life balance. There is also an opportunity to take an additional mental health day off once a quarter. It really helps! 😊
Maksym
Wow Inna that sounds amazing! 🤩 I will definitely suggest something similar to our HR. I think that such initiatives are an investment in the future of the company. A healthy and happy team always works more efficiently!