Practical tips against employee burnout and dropout

In recent years, the number of employees with a burnout and other psychological complaints has increased. Young employees, in particular, seem to be at greater risk of burnout. Nationale Nederlanden came up with a trend report (June 2023) about mental absenteeism. The message was quite shocking: absenteeism in 2022 is well above 5% for the first time in 20 years. Not only are we sick longer, but also, on average, more often.

As an employer, it is important to be alert to signs of stress and possible absenteeism.

Burnout

Burnout is a state of exhaustion, both physical and mental, caused by prolonged exposure to stressful situations. It often occurs as a result of prolonged overload at work, but can also occur in other aspects of a person's life, such as personal relationships or responsibilities.

People with a burnout often experience intense fatigue and exhaustion, both physically and emotionally. They have trouble concentrating, feel cynical or indifferent to their work or other commitments, and may even feel that they are ineffective or incompetent. Other symptoms may include trouble sleeping, mood swings, anxiety, irritability, and decreased motivation.

Burnout usually occurs as a result of a combination of factors, including high workload, lack of control over work, unclear expectations, little support from colleagues or supervisors, and work-life imbalance. Private circumstances, such as a divorce or the death of a loved one, can contribute to the development of complaints. Personal traits, such as perfectionism or a high sense of responsibility, can also contribute to the development of a burnout.

As an employer, you can take various measures to prevent burnout. For example, create a pleasant working atmosphere where employees feel supported. Give employees autonomy and freedom to do their work as they see fit. In addition, it is important to invest in personal development and training. As a result, employees feel valued and can further develop their skills.

In addition, it is important to recognize signs of stress in good time and to discuss them. Let employees know that they can contact you or another counselor with their complaints. Discuss the topic and pay attention to mental health. This way, you create an open atmosphere where employees feel safe to share their problems.

If an employee has burnout symptoms, it is important to take them seriously. Discuss the complaints and look for solutions. Starting with a supportive and understanding conversation, this can already make a big difference. Burnout treatment is usually a combination of different approaches aimed at restoring physical and mental energy, reducing stress and establishing healthy habits. Here are some common treatments and approaches:

1. Rest and relaxation: It is essential to get enough rest and reduce the load. This may mean that you have to stop working temporarily or reduce your working hours. It's important to make time for relaxation and activities that give you energy.
2. Therapy and Counseling: It can be helpful to talk to a professional therapist or counselor. They can help you understand the causes of burnout, reduce stress levels, learn healthy coping strategies, and restore self-confidence.
3. Stress management: Learning effective stress management techniques is crucial. This can include breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, and other relaxation techniques. These techniques can help you reduce stress and deal better with stressful situations.
4. Lifestyle changes: Recovering from a burnout often requires lifestyle changes. This can include setting realistic goals and priorities, creating a healthy work-life balance, setting boundaries, and avoiding excessive stressors.
5. Social support: Seek support from friends, family, and other loved ones. Talk about your feelings and concerns. Having a strong social network can help with the recovery process.
6. Gradual return to work: When you're ready to return to work, it's important to do it gradually. Build up your working hours and tasks slowly and make sure you have sufficient support from your employer.

It's important to remember that recovering from burnout can take time and that the process is different for everyone. It is advisable to seek professional help from a psychologist, therapist, or counselor who has experience with burnout treatment. Our wide range of coaches can help you create an individual treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and situation.

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