Burnout syndrome is emotional, mental and physical fatigue caused by chronic stress. The consequences of burnout in the workplace include reduced productivity and motivation, loss of interest, employee absenteeism, and employee turnover.
How Can It Help With Stress Management?
Stress can be managed by implementing adaptive coping strategies in the workplace. Coping strategies are tactics used to reduce negative emotional responses created by stressful situations. Adaptive coping strategies have a positive effect on the response to emotional stress. Unfortunately, some coping strategies make it even more difficult to respond emotionally; These methods are known as maladaptive coping strategies. Examples of maladaptive coping included self-isolation, avoidance, or drug and alcohol use.
Employees tend to adopt maladaptive coping strategies; However, assistance from employers in the form of human resource practices and healthy leadership is suggested to guide employees in the direction of adaptive coping.
Cognitive Reframing
Strategies based on cognitive reframing aim to reduce emotional distress by changing the way the employee perceives stressful situations and emotional connections to stress.
For example, stop seeing mistakes as failure and see them as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Relaxation
Relaxation strategies prevent fatigue by allowing the employee to rest and giving them time to process emotions.
A simple relaxation strategy for employers is to encourage employees to take adequate breaks, log in only during work hours, log out on time, and use paid leave.
Professional Development
As a coping strategy, professional development improves confidence and efficiency, thereby reducing emotional distress associated with previously stressful situations.
Encourage employees to take training to develop work-related knowledge and skills. This could be with senior team members or with an external organisation; one on one or in a group.
Development of Organizational Skills
Developing organizational skills involves improving planning and monitoring ability. Organizational skills reduce the occurrence of stressful situations through better prioritization and efficiency.
There are many organizational apps and instructional books that can help in this area. Sit down with your employees and discuss which options will work best for their personality, workload, and type of work.
Social Support
Social and peer support reduces stress by offering a place to go for help with homework, as well as an outlet to discuss emotions that arise. Additionally, peer support groups can reduce stress through relaxation and fun.
