Burnout in the workplace is a real concern. In 2023, 65% of employees suffered burnout at one time or another, according to a study by isolved, an HR management system. We’ve covered employee burnout extensively in this blog, offering suggestions for avoiding it, recognizing it, and beating it. Unfortunately, not a lot is said about manager burnout, which PerformYard reports has affected 53% of survey respondents. With that in mind, here are four tips for managers trying to avoid burnout.
1. Establish a Nonprofessional Identity
Conventional wisdom has often held that you’re defined by your job. There are multiple things wrong with that idea, but for now, focus on this: If your sense of identity is wrapped up wholly in your profession, you can be set adrift by trouble at work. Worse still, if you lose your job, you could feel like you’ve been stripped of your identity entirely.
To avoid this, find hobbies, causes, and friends that have nothing to do with your work. Doing so will lower your stress level and help you keep a level head.
2. Set Aside Time for Intentional Relaxation
Managers have all kinds of responsibilities that compete for their attention. This doesn’t stop when they leave the office; rather, chores and family commitments can make them feel like they don’t have a minute to spare. This is why, as a manager, it’s critical to set aside some “you time” to relax and recharge. Treat this scheduled time with the same respect you would any other task on your to-do list, and don’t bully yourself into thinking you’re not worth it.
3. Don’t Micromanage
Managers are evaluated on how well their teams perform. That can cause an enormous amount of stress – particularly during projects that have a big impact on a company’s results. Resist the urge to micromanage your employees to ensure the quality of the finished product. First of all, it will push your employees toward burnout. But it also will place even more stress on you. Trust the process and your team members’ skills.
4. Learn How and When to Ask for Help
Remember that even though you’re a manager, you’re a human being. Work on being in tune with yourself enough to know when burnout is on the horizon. Then, seek out a mentor or another “emotional support person” whom you trust as a sounding board. You may be able to glean some valuable insights, but just as importantly, you’ll benefit simply by having someone to talk to.
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