My two cents on LEADERSHIP today:
As leaders, it's our responsibility to prioritize the well-being of our employees.
Why?
1. Because we care about them!
2. It directly impacts our Business Results!
Take care of your employees.
I'd like to introduce you to Sarah's story. Sarah, a manager I've collaborated with, faced a tough situation. Transitioning into a managerial role in a fast-paced tech team, Sarah noticed the toll that long hours and high pressure were taking on her employees, especially Jim.
Jim, a dedicated team member, consistently worked late into the night but struggled to meet deadlines and showed signs of distress. He confided in Sarah about his weekly headaches, inability to spend time with his kids, and lack of time for personal activities like going to the gym. Despite his efforts, Jim’s performance continued to suffer, prompting Sarah to consider drastic measures like finding him a different role or even letting him go.
When Sarah reached out to me, she expressed feeling stuck with no clear solution in sight. As a new manager, she exclaimed, “I don’t have time for these games, I’m also experiencing difficulties myself; he needs to step up.” Throughout our conversation, we identified the indicators Alex had been signaling to her, prompting Sarah to reassess her perspective. She came to realize that her employee was struggling, and her initial approach was not conducive to helping him overcome his challenges.
During their conversation, Jim shared the immense pressure he felt to deliver results and the toll it had taken on his mental and physical health. Sarah listened attentively, expressing empathy and reassurance while acknowledging the need for immediate action.
As leaders, it's our responsibility to prioritize the well-being of our employees.
Why?
1. Because we care about them!
2. It directly impacts our business results!
While letting go of Jim may seem like a solution, it's important to recognize that burnout is not an isolated case. We need to expand our toolkit for handling such situations.
Together we collaborated to implement a holistic approach to address Jim's difficulties and burnout:
1. Reducing workload: Sarah re-evaluates Jim’s workload and redistributes tasks to alleviate his burden and restore a healthier work-life balance.
2. Flexible schedule: Sarah introduces a flexible work arrangement for Jim, allowing him to adjust his hours and take breaks as needed to prioritize self-care and recovery. He set a schedule in both calendars, to take his kids from school twice a week.
3. Supportive environment: Sarah fosters an open and supportive team culture where employees feel comfortable seeking help and sharing their struggles without fear of judgment.
It took a few months, however Sarah's proactive approach yields positive results, as Jim experiences a gradual improvement in his well-being and performance. With the implementation of targeted interventions and ongoing support, Jim regains his motivation, and his productivity rebounds. Moreover, Sarah's commitment to addressing burnout fosters a culture of trust and empathy within her team, strengthening their resilience and cohesion.
By the way, the same approach was not working with another team member, and Sarah had to let her go.
What is burnout? And why is it tightly related to business results?
Burnout refers to a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands, leading to a diminished sense of accomplishment and a loss of interest or motivation in your work or daily activities.
Burnout can result from various factors, including work-related stress, long hours, lack of recognition or reward, and an imbalance between work and personal life. It can have detrimental effects on both your professional performance and your overall well-being if not addressed.
Critical key players in employee’s burnout- are leaders!
So, what can be done?
1. Creating a Healthy Work Environment: Leaders foster an environment that prioritizes work-life balance, open communication, and employee well-being, taking care of their employees.
2. Setting Realistic Expectations: Leaders establish achievable goals and ensure workloads are manageable for their team members.
3. Providing Adequate Resources: Leaders ensure their team has the necessary tools, support, and resources to perform effectively without feeling overwhelmed.
4. Promoting Self-Care and Support: Leaders encourage self-care practices, offer flexibility, and promote a culture of support where team members feel comfortable seeking help and sharing concerns.
To conclude:
Did you know Mental Health Awareness month is approaching? While it's crucial to have this acknowledgment, particularly in workplaces, I believe it's essential to maintain awareness throughout the year, especially among leaders.
Sarah's journey highlights the critical role of managers in identifying and addressing employee burnout effectively. By prioritizing Jim’s well-being and implementing tailored interventions, Sarah not only supports him through a challenging time but also cultivates.
With organizations increasingly recognizing the profound impact of mental health on employee performance, productivity, and overall satisfaction, the link between mental health awareness and the workplace has never been more evident.
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