It's the busy season for many different industries, and you know what that means: long hours, tired employees, and an increased risk of burnout. However, it’s not all doom and gloom - there are plenty of steps you can take to avoid this situation. Here are seven tips to help keep yourself and your team working at your best all year round.
#1 - Know the Symptoms of Burnout
In order to prevent burnout, you first need to know what to look for. Warning signs of burnout include:
- Feeling overworked and underpaid.
- Less motivation to perform tasks at work or in your personal life.
- Feelings of resentment towards co-workers and management.
Having a clear understanding of the warning signs will help you prevent burnout before it starts, so make sure that your employees can identify them too.
#2 - Take a Break
When things are busy, the idea of taking a break can seem nigh-on impossible, but think of it this way: it's better to take a day or two off now than have to take weeks off later because you're so utterly burnt out. Even during the most hectic times of year, it's important to maintain some semblance of a work-life balance.
You should also make sure that your employees are taking breaks. You can do this by offering incentives for them to take time off, or even implementing a minimum break policy where everyone is required to take at least an hour of uninterrupted rest time during their shifts.
#3 - Nourish Your Body
It may be tempting to reach for McDonald's over a healthy lunch when you're feeling stressed out, but this will only make things worse. Ensure that you're eating healthy and balanced meals. This will not only help your body function better, but it will also give you more energy to tackle your tasks.
#4 - Exercise
In addition to nourishing your body with good food, you should also make sure to get enough exercise. Physical activity releases feel-good hormones in the brain which reduce stress, sharpen focus and boost your overall sense of wellbeing. It's also a great way to switch off from work - it's difficult to worry about anything whilst you're trying to survive burpees or the final kilometre of your run!
#5 - Water
Don't forget to drink plenty of water, as staying hydrated will also keep you feeling energized and alert. Studies show that dehydration is linked to cognitive decline, so make sure that you're drinking at least 2.5 litres of water per day to keep your brain functioning at its best.
#6 - Get Outside
Fresh air and nature work wonders for your mental health. Try to get out of the office at least once a day whether that means taking a walk during your lunch hour or doing an outdoor exercise class.
Even if you can only manage to sneak outside for five minutes, it will be enough to recharge your batteries and make you feel ready to take on the rest of the day's tasks.
#7 - Ask for Help
When you feel like you're about to reach your breaking point, don't be afraid to ask for help. Delegate some of your tasks to other members of your team, or even hire an extra pair of hands during the busy season.
You may also want to consider seeking out professional help if you find that you can't manage stress on your own. A therapist can help you learn how to better deal with stress, set boundaries and manage your time more effectively.
Final Thoughts
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work that needs to be done, don't panic! These tips will help you avoid burnout and stay productive all season long. Do you have any other tips to share?