The end of every year is filled with obvious yet unspoken pressures at the workplace. Employees tend to shift gears into overdrive to ensure they end the year strong and begin the new one on leveled ground.

Although this trend isn’t new phenomenon, 2020 has brought upon many unexpected changes. With these new and old pressures combined, employees are internalizing the struggles to find a manageable balance with work.

As the holiday season approaches, putting even more on everyone’s plate, it’s important for employers to put their workers’ well-being into consideration by finding ways to help their employees manage stress and prevent end-of-year burnout.

Signs and Symptoms

The reality is that most employees either don’t realize they’re experiencing burnout or don’t regard it as an issue. Oftentimes, people end up telling themselves things like, “It’s not me it’s everyone else,” or, “If I just get this one thing done I’ll feel better,” to dismiss their actual feelings. When people start feeling excessive apathy towards work, it can be a good indication that they are getting burned out.

Some of the signs that employees present when suffering burnout are:

• Reduced efficiency and energy – more work hours and less productivity
• Spending seemingly unnecessary late nights working
• Increased errors
• Lowered levels of motivation
• Headaches, general fatigue, and frustration

It can also go as far as:

• Substance and alcohol abuse
• Exhausting self-doubt

Burnout can get extreme, and if not cared for proactively, it can take a serious toll on one’s physical and mental health.

Prevention Strategies

Thankfully, there are some tactics employers can take to cut down the chances of end-of-year burnout, such as:

• Don’t let your positive workplace culture fall on the back burner – encourage self-care and socialization amongst employees
• Clearly define goals for your employees - Ambiguity in one’s job can cause unnecessary stress that is easily avoidable with clear communication.
• Enforce reasonable work hours – Keeping your employees from working late nights can lead to more productive daytime work hours.
• Avoid excessive meetings – Unnecessary meetings take time away from a productive workday. Allow employees to decline a meeting invite if they have higher priority tasks.
• Educate your employees on burnout warning signs and encourage balance – Share tips and articles with your company that will help them balance their workload and recognize burnout.

Company Support Structures

It goes without saying that all organizations need to put structures in place to support their employees. Employees are such a vital part of any company and therefore, their needs, both work-related and health-wise, should be catered to. Here’s what employers can do:

Strategies to Help Overachievers

It’s not uncommon to have overachievers amongst your employees. These people tend to take on the most challenging aspect of the job, inevitably and likely unintentionally overworking themselves. Thus, making it particularly important to keep an eye on them.

For these employees, put measures in place that don’t allow them to overcompensate for the poor performance of others. Do your best to maintain a balanced structure, one where no one is left to take on all the work pressure.

Give Employees Freedom of Expression

Employers should allow a space where employees feel seen and heard. Informally check in on your employees from time to time and facilitate honest conversations about their work, how they are managing things, and generally any thoughts they may have.

Use this time to actively listen and help find solutions for whatever problems may arise. Small gestures like this go a long way in making employees feel appreciated and recognized, benefiting your long-term relationship with them.

Create a Culture with Recognition and Rewards

Before diving right into 2021, take a moment to give your employees rewards and recognition. You can have employees nominate each other and write sweet sentiments on what they did to stand out, followed by a meeting where these achievements are celebrated, or you can send personalized notes to each employee to read on their own time.

There are countless ways to make your employees feel special at the end of the year but no matter the size of the gesture, it will undoubtedly mean something. Not only will this show them that their efforts are seen and appreciated, but it will also encourage others to have similar goals in mind for next year.

Be Intentional about Mental Health

Having employees who are struggling with mental health is a difficult situation for both your company and the affected employees. Invest in mental health professionals or a mental health app for your employees and encourage open support amongst all workers.

Pay attention to attitudes, behaviors, and work patterns to learn how to spot mental health issues. If you have a suspicion that someone might be struggling, this would be a good time for one of those informal check-ins.

Getting Back into the Swing of Things Post Burnout

Getting back into the swing of things at the start of the new year, post-burnout, can be difficult. Here are some tips to help your employees recover and safely get back up to speed.

• Encourage your workers to use their remaining days off
• Promote individual self-care strategies and provide suggestions and resources
• Put effective measures in place to monitor all employees as the new calendar year kicks off
• Schedule informal check-ins with employees to candidly see how they’re doing
• Place emphasis on quality, not quantity

Achieving Year-Round Positivity and Productivity

Although signs of burnout are most often displayed around the end of the year, individuals can experience these signs and stressors at any time. The truth is, we never know what a person may be facing outside of work, and our personal lives can also contribute to burnout. To best cater to your employees and keep burnout out of the picture year-round, always stay mindful and apply the tips discussed above.