Burnout Prevention is Your Best Retention Strategy

Employeeshave never been more stressed than they are today. U.S. and Canada are the world’s most stressed-out workers. 60% of associates report feeling “emotionally detached” while at work, and 19% consistently feel “miserable”, according to Gallup. The last three years have been stressful as people have had to adjust to changes and disruptions caused by the pandemic; working from home, social issues, serious health problems, economic concerns including supply and labor shortages. It’s no wonder occupational phenomenons like the great resignation, quietly quitting and burnout have wreaked havoc on our businesses. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the issue is compounded because the loyal employees are left carrying the extra weight which puts them at higher risk. Employee wellbeing is critical for an organization's success, which includes mental, and is often forgotten by employers. Not only does it drastically impact employee engagement and productivity, but retention, and ultimately the bottomline. High achieving employees are most susceptible to burnout because of their commitment to working hard and excellence that induces high and often chronic stress, which is often the very behaviors that drive them to burn out and walk away. Burnout can be caused by work-life imbalance, extreme behaviors such as overworking or perfectionism, professional culture, and lack of support. The cost to businesses with employees experiencing burnout are far reaching and include; increased sick time used because of stress related illnesses, irritability or impatience with co-workers, patience or clients, reduced productivity because of sleep and concentration issues, cynicism, and if left untreated, turnover.

So What are the Symptoms of Burnout?

• Prolonged exhaustion which can be mental, physical or emotional

• Overwhelmed to the point where you have trouble getting started

• Cynical or critical at work

• Feelings of inadequacy or ineffectiveness – things that used to seem simple are now difficult

• Irritability or a feeling of being on edge

• Struggle to find satisfaction in your achievements - “was that even worth it?”

• Experiencing sleep habit changes, digestive problems, anxiety or situational depression, or tension headaches

• Being disillusioned by your job

How Can Employers Help Manage Burnout and Retain their Employees?

• Prioritize mental health support and education

• Encourage work-life balance by providing healthy work expectations (whether at home or in the office), and making excessive overtime the anomaly instead the norm

• Create a culture where employees feel free to communicate when they are overwhelmed and may need support

• Recognize the importance of stress management and self -care

Fewer than one in four U.S. employees feel like their employer cares about their wellbeing, the lowest in nearly a decade. Meanwhile, it is more important than ever for employers to take an active role in managing burn out and the mental health of their employees. It’s an opportunity employers can’t afford to ignore.

Angelina Arts Alliance-Temple Theater

Angelina Arts Alliance is a local non-profit organization and professional performing arts presenter which brings world-class LIVE entertainment to the state-of-theart, 891-seat Temple Theater on the Angelina College campus. They also operate The Pines Theater which is a historic movie theater located in downtown Lufkin. angelinaarts.org

The History Center

The History Center collects, preserves, and makes available the history of our region and its people for the educational use and benefit of present and future generations. The History Center is free to the public and invites researchers and as well as the generally curious to enjoy our educational offerings both onsite and online. thehistorycenteronline.com

Museum of East Texas

Originally in a historic 1906 church, the Museum contains an extensive collection of paintings and sculptures produced by East Texas artists as well as American, Latin American, and European masters. Exhibitions, lectures, workshops, children’s events, and fundraisers cover a wide range of interests and topics available at the Museum of East Texas. metlufkin.org

Ellen Trout Zoo

The Ellen Trout Zoo is a small zoo founded by Walter Trout in 1967 and gets about 150,000 visitors a year. The zoo currently houses about 700 animals and helps conserve close to 50 different species of animals that are in a Species Survival Plan. ellentroutzoo.com