Identifying Early Signs of Employee Burnout

Prioritising the well-being of employees is crucial for both businesses and their workforce. Without such emphasis, there's a risk of higher employee turnover and a decline in staff performance attributed to burnout.

At The Business of Mindfulness, we can assist businesses in developing and implementing mental health and well-being strategies that everyone in your workplace can foster.

Recognising the early signs of burnout is paramount for both employers and employees, as addressing these indicators promptly can lead to a more engaged, productive, and satisfied workforce.

What is employee burnout?

Employee burnout is more than just fatigue or a lack of motivation; it's a pervasive sense of exhaustion, both physically and emotionally. This often occurs from prolonged exposure to stressors or long work hours which can have detrimental effects on an individual's overall mental health at work and in their personal lives.

What are the signs of employee burnout?

Deteriorating Job Performance

One of the earliest indicators is a noticeable decline in job performance. As burnout takes its toll, employees may struggle to meet deadlines, make errors, and display a lack of enthusiasm for their tasks. Monitoring performance assessments is crucial to identifying these subtle but telling signals.

Changes in Behaviour and Attitude

Watch for alterations in an employee's behaviour and attitude. You may notice increased irritability, a more cynical outlook, and present signs of workplace anxiety.  

If you start to notice this behaviour and see a change in the way an employee is presenting themselves, it may be worthwhile to approach them and offer some support.  

At The Business of Mindfulness, we can help with mental health awareness at work and building solid relationships, encouraging management and the wider team to reach out and understand how to help with the well-being of their colleagues.  

Physical and Emotional Exhaustion

Persistent fatigue and emotional exhaustion are hallmark signs of burnout. Employees may appear drained, both physically and emotionally, even after a full night's sleep.

Lack of Enthusiasm and Engagement

A once-engaged team member may become disinterested and detached from their work. A decline in enthusiasm, participation in meetings, and contribution to team discussions are red flags to keep an eye out for.  

Create a Great Culture in the Workplace

Employees should feel comfortable expressing their concerns and challenges without fear of reprisal. Strive to create a work environment that values and supports work-life balance. Implement policies that discourage excessive overtime and encourage employees to take breaks to recharge.

If you would like some professional advice on how to implement the right mental health awareness techniques in your business or would like to improve your workplace culture and employee retention rate, The Business of Mindfulness is here to action these positive changes in a way that works for employers and employees, to reduce the risk of burnouts.