How to prevent burnout and retain talent: tips for HR

Ukrainian business has been operating in extremely difficult conditions for more than 2 years, which require a lot of personal resources and commitment from each employee. This is also one of the reasons why the workload may have increased. Companies are fighting for customers, trying to attract investments or international grants - all of this requires focus and effort.

However, this rhythm of work has a downside: employee burnout. It is important for an HR specialist to be the first to see the "source of the fire" and respond to it in time. The first step to success in this is the ability to recognize the signs of burnout and help a colleague.

What is work burnout?

This is a psychological state when we feel very exhausted, both physically and mentally, as well as constantly tired and without the desire to do anything. The factors that can cause this condition can be different: pressure from management, overtime, unhealthy team atmosphere, unmotivated, lack of support, monotonous work, etc. but it's not just work that has an impact. It is worth considering that everyone can have personal problems or crises, as well as traumas, especially in the context of war. Let's focus on this in more detail.

Signs of burnout

1. Emotional changes: apathy and lack of motivation

It may be difficult for a specialist to find motivation to work actively and productively, and they may experience a decline in initiative, indifference, and irritability. Even the smallest tasks or requests from other colleagues increase tension in the team. Their behavior becomes sluggish, and the main goal is not to contribute to the company's development, but to finish the working day.

2. Physical changes: fatigue and illness.

Of course, we shouldn't dismiss the factor that a person may indeed have health problems and this is the reason for frequent day-offs. The most common symptoms that manifest themselves on the physical level are fatigue, headaches, insomnia, and chronic illnesses. However, if frequent absences are accompanied by meeting cancellations and late deadlines, these are definitely signs that you should pay attention to this situation.

Okay, we've identified the main signs that may indicate burnout at work. But an HR specialist, like a firefighter, has to put them out. The best solution at the stage of detecting the first "bells and whistles" is to talk to a colleague and see a psychotherapist. Why is it important? Because employees who are more stressed, feel exhausted and apathetic about work are more prone to anxiety disorders or depression.

How to prevent burnout or help an employee with "symptoms"?

1. Balance between work and leisure.

Overtime and weekend work are the first warning signs. Remind your colleagues of the value of mental health, the importance of vacations, and that they should be used. No wonder they say that you can't do all the work 🙂.

2. Speak.

Yes, face-to-face meetings with HR are just the right opportunity to talk about anything that is troubling, to find out the reasons for changes in behavior or work performance. Discuss the next steps and how the company can support the employee. Make regular meetings or lectures by psychologists and psychotherapists who, as specialists, can provide "preventive" measures.

3. Sleep normalization and physical activity.

As an HR specialist, you, of course, have no full influence on these factors, but you can emphasize them to your colleagues again or invite a specialist to an internal meeting.

4. Motivate and support.

In fact, each of us needs support and a sense of self-worth, especially in our work. Therefore, we recommend that you remind your colleagues of their contribution to the company's development as often as possible. This can be a conversation with a manager, a customer review, or even a nice comment on social media or feedback from other employees.

Preventing employee burnout is also part of your business success. A supportive and healthy work environment and communication will increase the engagement and interest of your colleagues, as well as boost productivity. Take care of your employees, but don't forget about yourself at the same time. changes in your corporate culture.