Burnout is a state of physical and mental exhaustion that can hinder the joy out of your career, workplace, family interactions, or even friendships. Continued exposure to nerve-wracking situations such as long-working hours, caring for an ill family member, or witnessing upsetting health news such as Corona deaths can lead to burnout. Employee burnout was a problem before the Covid-19 pandemic, and now the risks of the mental issue are painfully acute amid the crisis.

Kenyan workers have been facing unparalleled circumstances- either working around the clock on the frontline of Coronavirus, struggling to work from home, or worried about protecting their jobs or businesses. As the country adapts to the new normal and with the ongoing third wave, Kenyans are highly experiencing burnout. Yet, it is clear that organizations are not taking any considerable measures to address employee burnout. In short, workers are exhausted in whole new ways as burnout morphs during the pandemic period, continuing even in the most unexpected times.

Burnout causes reduced productivity, absenteeism, and workplace turnover

With prolonged trauma periods combined with uncertainty and anxiety, it’s natural for individuals to feel depressed or feel a lack of pleasure, and for their resilience to finally flame out. The sense of overall work and life balance as well as decreased productivity leads to demotivation.

Burnout Signs

1. Feeling less productive
2. Irritability
3. Exhaustion
4. Cynicism
5. Frequent illnesses
6. Escape fantasies
7. Failure to have a meaningful recollection of one’s accomplishment

How Employers Can Help Employees Manage or Avoid Burnout

Empower employees by taking time to listen to their ideas and feedback to ensure that they are heard.

1. Create connections by ensuring that there is a sense of community within the workplace, given that Covid-19 has been isolating.
2. Ensure employees achieve a work-life balance
3. Create safe spaces for the employees to share what they are going through
4. Availing supportive programs to help employees deal with financial constrains as well as mental and physical health
5. Employee recognition. People are working harder than ever before, hence impacting their mental health. Saying “thank you” and recognizing their sacrifices goes a long way
6. Be flexible about growth and development. Having in mind the impacts of Covid-19 on employees, employers should not pressure G&D. Allowing and supporting employees to continue development goals if they feel up to it but pause on new ones when they feel overwhelmed is important.
7. Encourage frequent breaks. Taking a few minutes throughout the day to refocus can be beneficial for employees.

It does not matter where work gets done, employers should help create a more supportive environment for employees.

With all that in mind, Traction School of Governance and Business has organized a 2 days’ training on “Burnout Prevention and Management” dated from 22^nd -23^rd of July for key decision makers, HRs, and employees.

If you are Interested in seeing your organization, employees, family members, friends, and co-workers manage this stressful state, then attending or recommending this training is the best decision.

We look to collaborate with you to build upon your workplace culture and resilience. The training will involve practical and interactive sessions covering;

• Signs that I am experiencing burnout.
• Burnout prevention.
• Managing and preventing burnout.
• The place of teams in burnout management.
• Building Workplace culture.

For more information on the training, send us an email on training@sgb.ac.ke

Or visit our website www.sgb.ac.ke

Feel free to call us on 0700 524 589/ 0782 524 589.