Do you feel weary most of the time? Is your motivation at a low ebb? Do you have frequent headaches or muscular pain? If so, you could well be suffering from burnout.
In today’s instant society, when we’re more connected to a range of devices than ever before, it’s very difficult to truly switch off, and very easy to find yourself working – and stressing – at all hours.
This is bad both for individuals and businesses. Individuals suffering from burnout are less productive, less efficient, more likely to make mistakes and more likely to take sick days. Indeed, a 2015 report by Comcare shows that mental stress claims in 2013-14 accounted for 16% of all workers compensation claims, with an average total cost per claim of $342,000.
Aside from this, the loss of staff productivity could mean trouble for a business’s bottom line, especially if too much is expected of too many people for prolonged periods. And burnout is an equal opportunity threat, which can affect men and woman, old and young, junior and senior level alike.
Drop the pressure
If you, or your employees and colleagues, are running the risk of burnout it can be easy to feel isolated and disillusioned with your working lot in life. But there are a variety of straightforward and achievable steps than can be taken to help restore morale and aid in rejuvenation.
- Exercise more – this will take your mind off work, improve health and fitness, and can aid in achieving a better sleep pattern.
- Eat well – it may be common sense, but a nutritionally balanced diet, and ensuring you’re not skipping meals, is essential for healthy body and mind.
- Switch off devices – OK, it’s not as easy as it should be, but disconnecting from the digital world whenever possible can be a mind-freeing experience.
- Don’t suffer in silence – people often feel vulnerable when asking for help in the workplace, but seeking assistance and guidance in pressure situations is not a sign of weakness.
- Collaborate, don’t compete – competitive behaviour amongst team-mates can do more harm than good. Successful businesses increasingly adopt a collaborative approach, sharing knowledge and experience for the good of the team.
- Make time for the things you love – engaging in creative activities unrelated to work can act as a great spiritual boost.
- Regulate your days – where possible try to have a regular routine, including sleeping and waking times. It’ll keep you refreshed.
A less-stressed workforce is also going to be more productive, and have lower levels of absenteeism, and will reduce your business’s risks of workers compensation claims.
At Emjay Insurance Brokers, we are experts in workers compensation insurance, and we can help you with risk management, workplace analyses and targeted training needs, to help ensure your workplace is as productive as possible. You can read more about our workers comp services here, and you can contact us on 02 9796 0400.
