Workplace Burnout Could be Due to Loneliness

If employees are experiencing workplace burnout, it might not be because of high stress at work or a feeling of always being behind. It might be due to loneliness. More social support at work makes it less likely that employees will burn out, and employees will be more productive and satisfied. But what can employers do to alleviate this emotional exhaustion at work and encourage workplace engagement and positive social relationships between co-workers?

A Positive Workplace Culture

The first thing managers can do to limit workplace burnout is promote a culture that makes everyone feel included, from the secretarial staff to the executive staff. Relationships that are real, honest and respectful go a long way toward making people want to be at work and be their best selves. Having compassion, and understanding and sharing the feelings of others makes for an authentic relationship that encourages job satisfaction. People want to work where they feel valued, where their ideas are embraced and where their hard work is recognized. No one wants to go to work every day in an office environment that is cold and clinical.

Networking

When employees have others they can turn to in their company or their industry, they have a platform for sharing their ideas or frustrations, and they don't experience the loneliness that causes workplace burnout. Many people build their networks through industry events and by connecting on social media sites like LinkedIn. To help foster networking, companies can encourage those with more experience to coach or mentor newer employees through a mentoring program. They can also encourage employees to get together outside of work and engage in various activities together, such as volunteer work or sports.

Celebrate the Successes

If one employee succeeds in the company, everyone should celebrate. When someone makes a big sale, gets a promotion, lands a huge client or earns an award, it is important to celebrate that person to promote positive feelings and cohesiveness among staff members. Believe it or not, this also helps prevent workplace burnout. Building solidarity and encouraging feelings of belonging can also help with employee turnover. Workers who are happy and feel like part of the organization are less likely to search for other employment. Employees who are disengaged are more likely to be absent, and companies with disengaged employees are more likely to experience lower profitability.

Workplace burnout has been linked to disengaged employees who feel disconnected from their work. This loneliness not only fosters negativity for the employee, but it can lead to negative consequences for the employer. Fostering better workplace engagement through a collaborative workplace environment that encourages networking and the celebration of everyone's successes is one step employers can take to minimize workplace burnout.

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