Professional Development

One of the many tasks that a manager or an employer undertakes is to look out for the well-being of his or her employees and help them avoid employee burnout. One could be transactional and cynical about this, and frame it as protecting one’s investment and bottom line, but it’s really about caring for others. Loving others as you love yourself means doing, where it’s up to you, what you can you help them flourish and be the best they can be. Whatever else they may be, the people who work for you or are under your authority are human beings made in God’s image. This implies many things, including their inherent dignity and worth. Being in authority over others carries the burden of responsibility and care for them. Just as you’re in charge of others and they are accountable to you, you are ultimately accountable to God for how you discharge your responsibilities (Colossians 4:1). As an employer or manager, one of the things to look out for among the people who work for you is work burnout. Some signs of employee burnout Burnout is the state of mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion that can overtake a person when they are overworked or placed under difficult conditions. When someone is stressed for an extended period and they don’t effectively relieve that stress, burnout may result. Some of the consequences of burnout will include people making avoidable mistakes, a lack of enthusiasm, and a decline in creativity. Some common signs of employee burnout to look out for include the following: Cynicism and detachment from work. Chronic fatigue and exhaustion. Increased absenteeism or tardiness. Presenteeism, which is when one is present but not being fully productive. Reduced productivity and performance; this may include procrastination. Lack of motivation, interest, and enthusiasm for [...]