Surviving the squeeze

Effective workload management with a reduced team

Burnout is increasingly prevalent in today's work environment, often driven by rising workloads and job demands due to fewer team members.

This chronic state of physical and emotional exhaustion can lead to decreased productivity, high turnover, and significant costs for both individuals and organisations.

However, with effective tools, leaders can help mitigate burnout and create a more sustainable work environment.

Burnout is more than just tiredness; it’s a state of chronic stress.

Common signs include fatigue and reduced performance, cynicism or detachment from work and increased absenteeism and emotional outbursts.

Early recognition allows leaders to address burnout before it worsens.

Tools to mitigate burnout

Manage workloads, set realistic goals considering current resources. Delegate tasks appropriately to avoid overloading individuals. Offer flexible work arrangements to help manage stress.

Create a supportive environment, encourage open communication about workload concerns. Promote teamwork to distribute tasks more evenly. Provide the necessary tools and resources for efficiency.

Promote work-life balance, encourage regular breaks and time off. Help team members set clear boundaries between work and personal life.

Recognise and reward efforts, regularly acknowledge team members’ hard work. Offer incentives like extra time off or wellness programmes.

Regularly assess team capacity and adjust expectations accordingly.

Addressing burnout early helps create a healthier, more resilient work environment.