Avoiding workplace burnout

In today’s fast-paced and demanding work environment, the risk of workplace burnout has become increasingly prevalent, and the negative impact of burnout on both employees and employers cannot be underestimated.

However, organisations that prioritise mental health and well-being can create a psychologically resilient workplace culture that fosters productivity, engagement and overall success.

At Invictus Solutions, we offer an adult workshop specifically designed to help organisations (corporations, businesses, schools etc.) understand and prevent workplace burnout – and become a mentally healthy workplace.

In this blog, we will explore how our Avoiding Workplace Burnout  workshop can be highly beneficial to companies of all sizes as well as discussing the three major goals of this  workshop, which are:

1. Understanding Workplace Burnout and Its Prevalence;
2. Discovering the Causes and Symptoms of Workplace Burnout; and
3. Developing Strategies for Coping with Workplace Burnout

Understanding Workplace Burnout and Its Prevalence

Workplace burnout is a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion resulting from prolonged stress, often associated with work-related pressures.

It manifests as a sense of detachment, reduced productivity and increased cynicism or negativity towards work.

Icare (Insurance and Care NSW) is a state government-run body responsible for providing Insurance and care services in New South Wales.

According to Icare’s Injury Prevention Manager, Jennifer Cameron, one in five Australians over the age of 16 will experience a mental illness in any given year.

Statistics also show that workers’ compensation claims for mental health are on the rise.

Of the 120,000 serious workers’ compensation claims in Australia in 2020, more than 30 percent were for illnesses and diseases and of these, mental health conditions were the most common.

As far as individual industries were concerned, one statistic which really stood out was that for those working in administration roles, a remarkable 88 percent of compensation claims related to mental health conditions.

As Jennifer Cameron points out: “Psychological injuries caused by factors within the workplace such as interpersonal conflict, bullying and exposure to occupational violence – (combined with issues that the worker may be experiencing elsewhere, such as at home) have led to an estimated national cost of $6 billion every year due to lost productivity.”

These alarming figures highlight the urgent need for employers to address mental health issues in the workplace proactively.

Discovering the Causes and Symptoms of Workplace Burnout

 Our workshop aims to help participants identify the causes and symptoms of workplace burnout.

Through interactive sessions and expert guidance, attendees will gain insight into the factors that contribute to burnout, such as excessive workload, lack of control, inadequate support and poor work-life balance.

By understanding these underlying causes, employers will then be able to take preventive measures and thus help create a healthier environment for their workers.

The workshop further emphasises the significance of recognising the symptoms of burnout, which include chronic fatigue, decreased motivation, decreased job satisfaction and increased absenteeism.

By raising awareness and providing practical tools for identifying these warning signs, the workshop equips employers with the knowledge needed to intervene early and prevent the escalation of burnout.

Developing Strategies for Coping with Workplace Stress

The primary goal of the Invictus Solutions workshop is to empower those attending with effective coping strategies for managing workplace stress and preventing burnout.

By fostering an open and supportive environment, the workshop facilitates discussions on self-care practices, stress reduction techniques and the importance of setting boundaries.

Employers will gain a deeper understanding of their role in preventing burnout, as well as how to create a positive work environment, promote work-life balance and provide adequate support to their employees.

By implementing these strategies, employers can foster a culture that values employee well-being, leading to increased job satisfaction, productivity and retention.

The Importance of Early Intervention

 While major organisations may already have a mental health strategy in place, some medium-sized businesses mistakenly believe that addressing mental health in the workplace is costly and time-consuming.

However, the reality is that early intervention strategies can be both effective and affordable.

Invictus Solutions recognises the importance of primary or preventative measures to combat workplace burnout.

By proactively addressing the underlying causes of burnout, organisations can significantly reduce the risk of burnout and related mental health issues and become a mentally healthy workplace, which:

• Has a documented mental health strategy;
• Promotes mental health literacy;
• Works actively towards minimising risks to employee mental health, including workplace burnout; and
• Prevents discrimination.

It is also important to emphasise the valuable insights that workers can provide to their employers regarding burnout and mental health in the workplace.

Employees understand their own triggers for burnout and often have valuable ideas for effective interventions.

Encouraging open communication and seeking employee feedback can empower employers to make informed decisions and tailor their strategies to the unique needs of their workforce.

Summing up, in an era where mental health concerns are increasingly prevalent, organisations must prioritise the well-being of their employees – and our Avoid Workplace Burnout workshop offers a comprehensive approach to addressing this issue.

Delivered by one of our experienced, qualified and passionate workshop facilitators headed by our founder Dean Mousad, this workshop – by providing knowledge, tools and strategies – will enable the creation of a psychologically resilient workplace culture that prioritises employee well-being.

With a proactive stance towards burnout prevention and early intervention, organisations can pave the way for a healthier and more productive workforce in today’s challenging work environment.