How Can HR Help Fight Burnout?

May 18, 2017 Leah Hoffmann

employee burnout: lit match burning down

Whether it’s because of a heavy workload or stress at home—or both—nearly every employee has suffered employee burnout. Unfortunately, the consequences often go beyond the individual to impact entire teams and organizations.

Fortunately, there are steps Human Resource leaders can take to curb burnout. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) recently spoke with Business Talent Group CEO Jody Miller and other thought leaders to go over 6 practical tips for keeping employees engaged and happy.

One tip: Build a bench

Miller points out that if there’s no one to fill in for them, overworked employees are more likely to drag themselves into the office when they aren’t feeling well… and compound the damage. That’s why she recommends building a bench of back-up resources who can take over when someone’s ill. Cross-training other employees can do double duty in helping employees develop new skills and experiences; managers can also bring in outside help on a project basis.

“It makes it easier for managers to take on a new project, get help with capacity when there’s extra demand, or bring in expertise they don’t already have,” explains Miller.

Read the full article at SHRM.

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About the Author

Leah Hoffmann

Leah Hoffmann is a former journalist who has worked for Forbes.com and The Economist. She is passionate about clear thinking, sharp writing, and strong points of view.

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