Working from home (WFH) sounds great in theory. That is until you realize that everything you do is at home, and you begin to miss life in public. While everyone hoped that the new calendar year would make us forget 2020, it hasn’t been easy. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues with safety precautions still in place, many find themselves still working from home. So, how do you help your team overcome WFH burnout?
Burnout According to the Latest Findings
The Harvard Business Review recently published an article discussing this very topic. They reported that unmanaged “chronic workplace stress” is at an all-time high. The group suffering the most is working mothers. There are many caring for their children while also working from home. It’s estimated that 25% of these women are suffering from burnout. They are 28% more likely to suffer from it than their male counterparts.
Furthermore, people of color are also experiencing disproportionate impacts both with the virus and in their workplaces. For instance, Latino and black workers are more concerned about the future of their employment status than white workers.
Here’s What You Can Do
Here are three easy steps to help your team overcome WFH burnout:
Conduct Regular Checks on Your Employees
The truth is some employees will keep their needs and wants to themselves. So, take time regularly to check in on each employee. Ask them how they are doing and if there’s anything they need.
Offer Flexible Schedules If Possible
Just because an employee is working from home doesn’t mean they have flexibility. Some companies insist their employees work specific hours. This may surprise you, but the average employee workday is longer during the pandemic than it was before. So, if you can allow your employees flexibility with their hours, it’s a great idea to do so.
Respect Time and Mental Breaks
When planning meetings, be sure to consider choosing a time that works for everyone on the team. The last thing you want to do is continuously schedule meetings at times that are not convenient for everyone. It can help fuel resentment and burnout. Also, be sure your employees are taking short mental breaks during the day as needed. This alone will reduce burnout, improve creativity, and recharge the energy to get tasks done.
Even though it’s a new year, the pandemic is still around. So, circumstances aren’t likely to change any time soon. The only thing you can do is lead your team and help them with burnout when you sense it’s present.
