How to Avoid Work-From-Home Burnout

Follow these tips to help your teams thrive as they continue to work from home.

Today’s post is by Lonnie Mayne, author of Red Shoes Living (CLICK HERE to get your copy).

During the past year, many changes have been made in the workplace. Since most companies are now working from home with new schedules and meeting formats, employees have been through a lot. With stress at an all-time high, companies are seeing drastic amounts of work-from-home burnout. So, how should companies deal with employees running on fumes? It all starts with the team leaders.

Team leaders becoming aware of burnout is one of the most critical components. Whether it’s holding weekly meetings to check in with your team or simply noticing shortfalls in work, it’s important for team leaders to become aware of burnout when it’s happening. Sweeping it under the rug will not only make it worse for the company, but also may cause issues for employees on a more personal level. Take the time to ask yourself if you’ve noticed any changes and how those changes can be handled.

It’s also important to be present and engaging when talking to teammates about any struggles they are facing. By taking the time to patiently listen and understand their personal struggles and stories, it will leave them feeling heard and appreciated, and in turn, this will help motivate them and help them understand they are supported, so burnout is minimized.

Showing gratitude and working to understand your team members’ stories can go a long way to prevent burnout. Catch the beginning of burnout before it spirals out of control. Some teammates may be facing burnout because their work and contributions do not seem significant, so showing them gratitude for their efforts can help pull them out of this rut. This can help them to adjust their outlook and to help them realize what they are doing makes a significant difference, which ultimately leads to more confidence and job satisfaction.

In addition, it’s important to keep in mind that everyone’s story changes every day. Taking time on a regular basis to connect on a personal level will also continue to build their confidence. It’s one thing to listen to someone’s struggles, but it means more when you ask for updates and offer assistance. Most of the time, employees may not feel comfortable reaching out to share these types of updates, so starting the conversation will make the leader more approachable.

Different ways to offer help during this time may include flexibility in the daily work schedule. Letting team members know it’s okay to leave their desk for a bit — whether it be taking the dog on a walk or a quick run to the grocery store — is okay. As long as these trips don’t become long treks, completing these types of everyday tasks allow for employees to take a step away from their work to reset. Showing this gratitude and understanding will help relieve some of the stress of the work-from-home lifestyle.

While working to build constructive motivation, it’s important for team leaders to continue to show respect for their teammates and go the extra mile for them. Showing respect and praising even the smallest improvements will continue to help motivate the team. Don’t be afraid to voice confidence in teammate potential and help them see it, too. Reassuring teammates that they are the right member for the job, in addition to vocalizing employee potential, will motivate the member to meet your expectations. As employees start to realize their potential, be sure to advocate for them within the organization. Reach out to their clients or higher-ups to recognize their job well done.

As a team leader, it is your responsibility to motivate and meet the needs of the team. Motivating a team member when experiencing burnout doesn’t have to be a complicated task. Remaining approachable and flexible to help members get back on track is critical during this time.

Lonnie Mayne is the author of the acclaimed book, Red Shoes Living – Stand Out for the Positive in How You Work and How You Live. Mayne is an internationally recognized leadership authority and award-winning keynote speaker, as well as an executive coach, author, and podcast host. As a former technology and turnaround executive, he has spent 30 years working with leading brands across 25 industries.

Mayne has presented at the Palace of Westminster and works with Olympians, professional athletes, politicians, business executives, military leaders, tech leaders, leadership influencers, Fortune 100 executives, top-level CEOs, entrepreneurs, and founders of some of the most progressive companies of our time. A few of Mayne’s clients include Microsoft, McDonald’s, Nike, Bose, Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Spartan, Los Angeles Chargers, Transamerica, Saks Fifth Avenue, and many more. For more information about Lonnie Mayne and his Red Shoes Living philosophy, feel free to visit the website.

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