More than half of employees in the United States say they’re burned out, and two-thirds say the pandemic is making their symptoms worse. That’s according to a recent survey by the job search site Indeed. And I don’t know about you, but the winter months compound the issue for me.

If you lead a team, burnout is a big concern for you.

You’ve probably read headlines about the Great Resignation, as millions of employees voluntarily quit their jobs. Exit surveys reveal that burnout is the main reason.

How can you keep yourself and your team energized and engaged?

Try these tips to prevent burnout on your team:

1. Be alert. While many employees have their own definitions of burnout, the official classification depends on three symptoms. Those are exhaustion, cynicism, and decreased performance. Recovery is easier if you can spot signs early.
2. Monitor workloads. Set realistic expectations and watch workflows to see if anyone is having trouble keeping up. Use staff meetings and one-on-one sessions to adjust assignments as needed.
3. Encourage healthy boundaries. Remote and hybrid work can make it more difficult to keep business matters from spilling into your personal life. Encourage employees to take precautions, like creating a designated workspace and avoiding excess overtime.
4. Reward innovation. Give employees credit for effort and creativity even when some experiments are less successful than others. Feeling appreciated counts too.
5. Provide flexibility. Arranging work differently could help employees to manage their responsibilities more effectively.
6. Ask for feedback. Use surveys and other tools to learn more about what your team members really want. Their priorities may be different than you think.
7. Build community. A friendly environment reduces stress and strengthens connections. Focus on inclusivity and team spirit.
8. Hire carefully. Employees are less vulnerable to burnout if they feel like their company shares their values. Make cultural fit part of your hiring criteria.

Try these ideas to prevent burnout for yourself:

1. Set personal goals. Heavy workloads feel lighter if you’re passionate about your work. Reflect on the purpose behind your activities. Spend more time on the aspects of your job that you enjoy.
2. Practice self-care. Look after your health and wellbeing. Eat healthy, and exercise regularly. If worrying about your job keeps you up at night, try sticking to a consistent bedtime, even on weekends.
3. Think positive. Intentionally look for the positive things in work and life. Start and end your day with gratitude for the good things.
4. Seek support. Cultivate relationships inside and outside of your workplace. Join professional associations, find a mentor, work with a coach. Spend time with family and friends. Ask for help when you need it.

I hope these ideas help you recognize the signs of burnout and take proactive steps to create an environment where you and your team will thrive!

Wishing you the best!