Employee burnout is a prevalent issue in today’s workplace. According to a recent report by Microsoft, more than 50% of managers feel burned out at work. Many organisations mistakenly believe that reducing working hours alone can solve the problem. However, the causes of burnout are multifaceted, and addressing them requires a comprehensive approach. In this article, we explore the real causes of burnout and discuss how coaching can play a crucial role in promoting employee wellbeing.
Understanding the Myth of Employee Burnout
Contrary to popular belief, burnout is not solely caused by working long hours. Gallup’s research reveals that how employees experience their workload has a stronger impact on burnout than the number of hours worked. While excessive working hours can increase the risk of burnout, it is essential to focus on how employees perceive their workload and their overall work experience.
Key Factors Contributing to Burnout
Gallup’s study identified five significant factors that correlate highly with employee burnout:
-
Unfair treatment at work
-
Unmanageable workload
-
Unclear communication from managers
-
Lack of manager support
-
Unreasonable time pressure
Beyond mere inconveniences, the factors mentioned above can escalate to the level of psychosocial hazards, seriously impacting employees’ mental and emotional wellbeing, including that of managers. Following the Workplace Health and Safety standards’ updated regulations in 2022, businesses must adopt control measures to mitigate these risks. For those in leadership, intervening in matters like unfair treatment, overwhelming workloads, and undue time pressure isn’t just advisable – it’s essential.
Effective managers play a pivotal role in mitigating these risks and preventing burnout among their team members, safeguarding not only employee wellbeing but also their own. They hold the responsibility to foster a just and supportive work environment, ensure clear communication, and provide essential support to their employees. By addressing these factors, managers contribute to a healthier work environment that reduces the risk of burnout for both their team members and themselves.
Coaching as a Solution
Coaching can be a powerful tool in promoting employee wellbeing and preventing burnout. It goes beyond simply reducing working hours and addresses the root causes of burnout. Through coaching, managers can help employees develop strategies to manage their workload effectively, establish clear communication channels, and provide the necessary support to navigate challenging situations.
Benefits of Coaching for Employee Wellbeing
Coaching empowers employees to take ownership of their work experience and develop strategies to manage their workload and stress effectively. Coaching also provides opportunities for:
1) Personalised Support
Tailoring support to the unique needs of each employee, coaching enables them to tackle specific challenges and cultivate resilience.
2) Skill Enhancement
Coaching helps employees develop essential skills such as time management, prioritisation, and stress management, which are crucial for maintaining work-life balance and preventing burnout.
3) Improved Communication
Through coaching, employees can enhance their communication skills, ensuring clarity, transparency, and effective collaboration with managers and colleagues.
4) Enhanced Job Satisfaction
Nurturing a constructive workplace atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported, coaching elevates job satisfaction and reduces the risk of burnout.
Preventing Burnout through Coaching
Employee burnout is a complex issue that requires a holistic approach for effective prevention and management – and it is essential to address its underlying causes. Coaching offers a powerful solution by empowering employees, providing personalised support, enhancing skills, improving communication, and ultimately promoting employee wellbeing. By incorporating coaching into their strategies, organisations can create a healthier work environment and reduce the prevalence of burnout among their workforce.
Ready to proactively tackle burnout within your organisation? Book your complimentary demo with Hello Coach today to learn how our coaches can help!
