Here is a very interesting overview on burnout. Over the last few years, there has been a huge increase in burnout.
Ah, January, the month of broken resolutions, bitter winds, and dying Christmas trees. It's a month that can make even the most stalwart of souls feel a bit blue, but for employees, it can be particularly trying. The post-holiday period can leave one feeling demotivated and disengaged, a state of mind that can prove costly for employers with increased absenteeism and lower productivity.
However, all is not lost, there are ways in which organizations can rouse their employees from their January slump and set them on the path to a productive year. Firstly, let's talk about work-life balance. The holiday season is often a time of excess, whether it's too much food, too much drink, or too much work. As a result, employees may find themselves in a state of burnout come January.
Organisations can help by encouraging their employees to set boundaries around their working hours, and prioritise activities that promote self-care. A well-rounded employee is a productive one, and by promoting a healthy work-life balance, organisations can improve employee well-being and productivity, and thus the bottom line.
The Work Psychologists hosted many burnout workshops towards the end of last year - click here to read a testimonial from the wonderful Samantha Trigg @Olgivy. People think Burnout is over now we are in the new year but many of our coaches and coachees have had any number of hideous bugs over the winter break, which is making them feel anything but refreshed!
Connection and community are also crucial to employee well-being, and this is particularly true in January when the holiday season is over and people tend to withdraw into themselves. Organisations can foster a sense of connection and community by creating opportunities for employees to interact with one another. Be it through team-building activities, volunteer projects, or simple social events like group lunches, by fostering a sense of connection and community, organisations can create a positive and enjoyable workplace for their employees.
Professional development is another key area for organisations to focus on in January. The start of a new year is the perfect time for employees to reflect on their goals and aspirations for the upcoming year. By providing opportunities for employees to set and achieve goals and investing in training and development programs, organisations can help employees focus on their aspirations and professional growth, resulting in a more motivated and engaged workforce.
Finally, it's essential for organisations to be responsive to individual needs and preferences. Not every employee is the same, and what works for one person may not work for another. Encourage employees to speak up and share their thoughts and feelings and be attentive to their team members' needs. A happy employee is a productive one, and by being responsive to individual needs, organisations can create an environment that is truly supportive and empowering for all. The power of understanding individual differences in your employees is key, our favourite tool for achieving this is the Lumina Spark. It really is the best on the market in our mind and more than that its so much fun!
Here are our top 10 tips for getting through the most challenging day of the year:
Prioritise self-care: Make sure to take care of your physical and emotional well-being by getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in activities you enjoy.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing, can help reduce stress and improve focus.
Connect with others: Social support is important for mental health, so make an effort to connect with coworkers, friends, and family.
Get moving: Exercise and physical activity can improve mood and reduce stress.
Set realistic goals: Break down your tasks into manageable chunks and set achievable goals for yourself.
Prioritise self-compassion: Be kind to yourself and practice self-compassion when things don’t go as planned.
Get outside: Nature has been shown to have a positive impact on mood and stress levels.
Practice gratitude: Focusing on the things you're thankful for can help shift your perspective and improve your mood.
Seek professional help: If you're struggling with your mental health, consider seeking out the help of a mental health professional.
Use cognitive-behavioral techniques: Challenge negative thoughts and engage in positive self-talk and reframe negative thoughts in a more positive way.
In summary, January can be a trying time for organisations, but by focusing on work-life balance, fostering a sense of connection and community, promoting professional development and being responsive to individual needs, organisations can help their employees beat the January blues and set the tone for a productive year. It's a small investment for a potentially significant return.
Please reach out to hello@theworkpsycholgists if you are interested in finding out more about the work we do.