Workplace burnout is a growing issue, as more and more people fall victim to our fast-paced world. In fact, US businesses lose approximately 150 billion to 300 billion dollars due to their employees missing work from stress-related issues*. So why do some people burn out more easily on the job than others?
It’s true that everyone handles stress differently, but there are certain qualities that can make people more susceptible. And they might not be the qualities that you think! In fact, a lot of these traits are found in workers who are considered high performers.
As an employer, it’s up to you to ensure that your employees are well supported in their role so they can continue to do their job with ease. Here are some common indicators of individuals who are more likely to burn out on the job.
Perfectionists tend to fixate on a task and work on it until it’s “perfect”. While this is a great quality, it can take a toll on the individual over time. If you have one of these individuals on your team, remember to offer positive feedback and encourage them to move on to the next task!
Have you ever found yourself in over your head? It’s an incredibly stressful situation that lowers the employee’s self-esteem. Perhaps they don’t have the right skill set, or their personality isn’t suited to the work they’re given. This is why it’s so important to hire the right person for the job! You owe it to your new hire to set them up for success. Consider exploring some new hiring tools to ensure your next hire is the right one!
While positive workers see challenges as a learning opportunity, negative workers see the opposite: a chore. Negativity isn’t just toxic to your other employees, it’s also incredibly draining for the individual. Creating a culture of positivity, teamwork, and communication can really set the tone for new hires, influencing the way they view their job!
If you haven’t heard of empaths before, they’re basically highly empathetic people who absorb and reflect the emotions and energy of the people around them. This can be both a blessing and a curse – on one hand, it often makes them great at working with other people. On the other hand, their energy and mindset are highly influenced by the people around them. Again, establishing a positive and supportive work culture for your business can make things easier for these individuals so they can continue doing their best work!
Loneliness and isolation can stress out even the most positive people. Individuals who live on their own, don’t have a lot of family or friends nearby, or tend to keep to themselves may be at a higher risk for burnout. Creating a supportive team, or “work family”, can really make a positive impact on these workers, so they can socialize and enjoy their time on the job.
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Source: Forbes Article, 2016