How to Recognize the Signs of Employee Burnout

Remote work is gaining in popularity, with almost half of the workforce in 2023 working out of the office at least occasionally. It allows employees more control over their weekdays, less time spent commuting, and more flexibility. So, it is not surprising that many are willing to take significant pay cuts just for the opportunity to work from home.

Working from home also has its cons. Depending on the employee, it can have a detrimental effect on their mental health. Remote work is a commonly cited reason for anxiety, burnout, and even depression.

A good employer and a well-trained HR team can create a set of guidelines and practices to prevent these. However, it is also important to keep in touch with your employees regularly and look out for the early signs of burnout.

Finding out that one of your employees struggles with burnout early on can help prevent the negative aspects it has on employee well-being, company culture, and overall productivity. Here are some early signs of burnout in remote employees that you should pay attention to.

1. Overall appearance

When any of us start experiencing burnout, the first sign is usually in the appearance. The same is true with your employees. They may start prioritizing time off for sleep or other relaxing activities. If your employee looks disheveled, tired, or as if they could use a break - they probably do.

While this may be easier to notice in an in-office setting, there may be cues you should look out for during virtual meetings. Is your employee wearing the same clothes a few days in a row? Another cue may be if your employee suddenly refuses to turn on the camera, even though they never had such reservations in the past.

2. Less engaged in meetings

The biggest clue of burnout with employees is lower engagement and less creativity. These may be a bit difficult to notice at first. However, if your employee used to participate more in meetings and was open about their ideas and plans and suddenly isn’t, this could be the cue burnout is in the cards.

Also, take notice if some of your employees suddenly retreat. This could be from work-related discussions, but also from personal ones. If your employee suddenly feels reluctant to share information about their private lives and keeps all communication strictly work-related, it could also be an indication of burnout.

3. Never logs off

Some employees go in the opposite direction. Instead of disassociating from work, they turn to work and are working all the time. These employees seem to always be available, never take lunch breaks, and they seem to never sleep.

If your employee suddenly starts working non-stop, it could also be a sign of burnout. Some people tend to use work as an escape from other issues, which can only escalate the problem further.

4. Delayed response to messages and calls

The “always on” feeling can be one of the primary reasons for burnout. So, one of the key signs that could indicate burnout for you as an employer could be the delay in responding to messages or calls. If your employee suddenly stops responding as promptly as they did before, it could be a sign of burnout.

Another common sign of burnout is when your punctual employee starts missing deadlines, meetings, and other important dates and commitments. Once or twice is fairly common, especially if they are dealing with a significant workload. However, if you notice a pattern, it might be something that requires your attention.

5. Frequently taking time off or calling in sick

Avoiding work could be another sign of burnout. If your employee starts consistently taking time off, or calls in sick without medical explanation, it could be a sign they are overworked, burnt out, and are avoiding work as a result.

This is possibly the surest way to establish whether one of your employees is burnt out. They will likely take time off work to try to recover, relax, and disassociate from work. These are some of the most commonly recommended ways of dealing with burnout, so they may be already trying to fix it on their own.

How to avoid burnout in your company

Avoiding burnout among your remote team can be tricky, especially if you have a global team that operates in different time zones and on multiple projects. However, investing in processes and resources for managing burnout will prove to be a wise investment.

Research shows that, on average, burnout-related, unscheduled sick days cost $2,500 to $4,000 per year. Establishing strategies and approaches to preventing and dealing with burnout in your company will not only improve your reputation as a great place to work but also save you a significant amount of money in the long run.

Here are some ways you can help your employees and prevent burnout:

1. Schedule regular check-Ins

Regular check-ins with your employees are vital for recognizing early signs of burnout. These meetings not only help employers notice if something is wrong, but they also provide a route for employees to voice their concerns and opinions.

Make sure to ask your employees how they feel about their day-to-day workload, their role, and other effective check-in questions. This will help you estimate whether the employee is on top of their workload or nearing burnout.

2. Evaluate workload and objectives per employee

Not everyone works at the same pace or can achieve the same results. Some employees will breeze through their workday and have the relevant experience and knowledge to complete all their tasks on time. Others may struggle, feel overwhelmed, or stressed.

It is important that you, or your HR team, review the workload assigned to each employee and adapt it when necessary. If your team members cannot manage their workload, it could lead to overtime work, stress, anxiety, and burnout.

3. Set time for breaks, lunch breaks, and rest

If you notice your employees are having a hard time disconnecting from work and are always available, it may be time to introduce scheduled breaks. Encouraging regular breaks, proper lunch breaks, and time to rest helps employees recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

It will also show your employees that you care about them, and respect their time-off. If they feel supported to take time off and recharge, they may feel more comfortable actually doing so.

4. Organize and automate work processes

Streamlining and automating work processes can reduce the burden on your employees. By organizing tasks and using tools that automate repetitive work, you can help your team focus on more meaningful and engaging activities.

Reorganizing and reprioritizing tasks that some employees feel daunting can also be helpful. If you notice some employees struggle with certain tasks in which other team member would excel, try to swap responsibilities. Being actively involved in their workday and trying to accommodate your workers reduces stress and increases job satisfaction.

5. Offer help and resources

Providing access to resources like counseling, mental health support, and stress management workshops can make a big difference. Offering help shows that you care about your employees' well-being and are committed to supporting them.

It is one of the perks and benefits you can offer to help attract and retain top talent. By knowing their mental health is covered by you, your employees will certainly feel heard and valued. This creates a supportive work environment and helps prevent burnout.

FAQs

How can you tell when an employee is burnt out?

You might notice an employee is burnt out if they seem constantly tired, lack motivation, or have a drop in their work performance. They might also become more irritable or withdrawn. Physical signs like frequent headaches or illness can also indicate burnout.

What are the 5 stages of burnout?

The five stages of burnout are the honeymoon phase, onset of stress, chronic stress, burnout, and habitual burnout. Initially, employees may feel enthusiastic, but then they start experiencing stress. If not managed, this can lead to chronic stress, full burnout, and eventually habitual burnout, where these feelings become a regular part of their life.

How do you fix burnout at work?

To fix burnout at work, encourage employees to take regular breaks and set clear boundaries between work and personal time. Providing support through counseling or mental health resources can also help. It's important to create a supportive work environment that promotes balance and well-being.