Employee Burnout: What We As Employers Can Do.

Jessica Palmer, M.A. Industrial & Organizational Psychology • Nov 03, 2020

While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to threaten people's physical health across the globe, the effects it has had on people's mental health cannot be ignored. In fact, employees in today's economy are feeling more overwhelmed than ever. Between battling constant fears of losing their jobs, feeling overworked and facing new challenges to work-life balance, it is not surprising that the pandemic is taking an unprecedented toll on their mental health. Whether working from home or going into an office, both scenarios present new concerns and challenges for employees that cannot be taken lightly, making it more important than ever for leaders to regularly check in with their employees to help avoid burnout.


Employee burnout can be very harmful to business success, especially in the wake of this global pandemic. Understanding the causes and recognizing the critical signs of employee burnout is more crucial to business owners than ever before. Based on a recent Gallup survey, there are five primary causes of burnout, which include unfair treatment, unmanageable workload, lack of role clarity, lack of communication and manager support and unreasonable time pressure. Throwing in the added pressures of the changing work environment (social distancing, masks, etc.), overwhelming health concerns, and financial struggles now facing employees due to COVID, employees' stress levels are reaching an all-time high making burnout an unavoidable concern for employers.


Some signs to watch for when it comes to identifying burnout among your employees include a lack of concentration, frequent illness, irritability, anxiety, lack of productivity, pessimism and arriving late to work regularly. So, if you notice your usual peppy, engaged employee suddenly shifting gears, becoming more withdrawn, frustrated and depressed, don't be quick to jump to conclusions, assuming they're just lazy and uninterested in their work. Keep in mind that this pandemic is impacting everyone on various levels, and they may be in need of additional support from management.


With a lack of usual coping mechanisms (gyms, social gatherings, etc.), employees may be finding it difficult to overcome the added stressors leading to burnout. This means it is even more important for employers to offer support to their workforce by regularly checking in with their staff, being creative and offering employee assistance as needed. As an employer, you need to keep the lines of communication open, encourage employees to take some time off, host regular virtual team meet-ups and take measures to enhance your employees' general well-being, such as offer free trials for a workout program that employees can take part in from home. Whatever you decide to do, keep the communication flowing. Ensure your employees are kept up-to-date on the company's latest happenings and leaders are providing frequent, consistent and valuable feedback to their employees to maintain honest and open communication throughout these difficult times.

28 Mar, 2024
If you’re searching for a job, you want to have the skills that employers are looking for. This will mean the difference between being at the top of the resume pile and not even being considered. As you continue your job search, here’s a look at the ten of the top in-demand job skills of 2024. In-Demand Job Skills in 2024 1. Communication Being able to communicate with co-workers and supervisors is key in any type of job. This is especially true in the ever-growing hybrid workplace where people are not always sharing a workspace. Written and verbal communication skills are extremely important to get the job done correctly and efficiently. 2. Leadership & Management Leadership skills are critical to many different types of jobs. Leadership shows initiative, motivation, and trustworthiness…all skills that employers find valuable. It also demonstrates the ability to manage conflict and mentor others. It also inspires and helps to create connections between personal motivations and professional results. Management skills are very important because they help you get more work done, balance priorities and deadlines, and work with others. Employers want to find workers they can trust with tasks and don’t have to constantly watch over them. Those who embody management skills fill this requirement. 3. Emotional Intelligence More employers are looking for emotional intelligence in the people they hire because it results in higher job performance. Employees with high levels of emotional intelligence can handle stress better and implement coping mechanisms before chaos ensues. They are also better active listeners and can read the room and adjust their behavior or work as needed without being obvious. 4. Teamwork Collaborating with others, respecting others’ opinions, and being able to share ideas are important to any workplace setting. People who can work together and adapt to situations help to drive results. This is what employers want to see. 5. Problem-Solving Can you think on your feet and solve problems quickly? Employers look for people who can meet challenges and solve problems. Using critical thinking skills is important to getting around problems and seeing the big picture. 6. Creative-Thinking Equally as important, if not more important, than problem-solving skills, are creative-thinking skills. According to the World Economic Forum , the demand for creative thinking is expected to grow faster than the demand for analytic thinking in the next five years. Employers like creative thinking because it leads to solutions that others may have not considered. It also allows people to be open-minded about others’ ideas which can spur innovation. 7. Relationship Building Building relationships and bringing in customers is extremely important in many different sectors. Businesses need sales-minded employers in this challenging economy. Those who have sales skills and can use AI tools to help in the sales cycle prove to stand out even more. 8. Customer Service People enjoy doing business with companies that make customer service a priority. Candidates who have people skills and know how to handle those from all types of backgrounds and with different viewpoints are priceless. Excellent customer service leads to trust building which helps any company’s bottom line. 9. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Skills Many different sectors are relying on AI skills which is why it has become an in-demand skill for job seekers. Healthcare, education, data security, and finance are just some of the areas that use AI to be more productive. 10. Marketing Marketing skills are versatile. They can include research, strategic thinking, creativity, customer relationship management, and much more. Whether you’re marketing yourself or a product, you want to have the skills that make you stand out. Marketing skills are especially helpful in sales, project management, and operations jobs. As you consider these in-demand skills, Summit Careers is here to help match you with the right employer. Contact us today to learn more about how we connect job seekers with employers in many different sectors.
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Staffing woes got you pulling your hair out? Finding the right talent in today's competitive market can feel like deciphering hieroglyphics in a maze. You have two main options: embrace the rising tide of artificial intelligence (AI) or partner with a seasoned staffing agency. But which path leads to smoother sailing? Let's dive into the murky waters of hiring solutions and uncover which approach suits your unique needs. AI: The Tech-Savvy Solution Speed Demon: AI-powered platforms scan resumes and identify potential candidates in a flash, leaving traditional methods in the dust. Need a data whiz by next week? AI can whip up a shortlist at lightning speed. Bias Buster: Say goodbye to gut feelings and unconscious biases. AI algorithms analyze skills and qualifications objectively, creating a level playing field for diverse talent. The Learning Curve: Navigating AI interfaces and understanding data analytics can be daunting for the tech-averse. Be prepared to invest time and resources in training your team. Limited Human Touch: AI excels at efficiency, but it lacks the personal touch of a seasoned recruiter. Building rapport with candidates and assessing cultural fit can be tricky through algorithms alone. Staffing Agencies: The Human-Centric Ally The Talent Whisperer: Experienced recruiters have built vast networks and deep industry knowledge. They know where to find that diamond in the rough, even for niche positions. Beyond the Resume: Agencies go beyond skills and qualifications, assessing cultural fit, soft skills, and potential. They understand the nuances of your company culture and find candidates who truly click. Hands-Off Hiring: Outsourcing the entire hiring process frees up your team to focus on core business functions. Leave the headhunting to the pros and watch your productivity soar. Costlier Concierge: Agency fees add to your hiring budget, especially for high-level positions. Be prepared to factor in additional costs when calculating your ROI. Agency Roulette: Not all agencies are created equal. Finding one that aligns with your company culture and values requires diligent research and due diligence. So, Who's Your Perfect Match? The answer, as in most things in life, is: it depends. Consider these factors: Company Size and Budget: Smaller companies might find AI's cost-effectiveness appealing, while larger firms might benefit from an agency's comprehensive services. Technical Savvy: If your team thrives on data and embraces new technology, AI could be a perfect fit. But if human interaction is key, an agency's personalized touch might be the answer. Hiring Needs: For high-volume recruitment or niche positions, agencies can bring their expertise and extensive networks. For occasional hires, AI's agility and affordability might be ideal. The Hybrid Approach: Don't get caught in a binary trap! Consider a hybrid approach, leveraging AI for initial candidate screening and then partnering with an agency for in-depth assessments and cultural fit evaluation. This can optimize efficiency while ensuring a human touch throughout the process. Ultimately, the best solution lies in understanding your company's unique needs and choosing the approach that fosters a talent-rich environment for long-term success. So, grab your compass, navigate the hiring jungle, and discover the path that leads you to your dream team! Remember, the key is to remain informed, flexible, and open to exploring the potential of both AI and staffing agencies. With the right strategy, you'll be singing "I found my hiring soulmate!" in no time.The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.
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