Burnout isn’t cured by Friday jeans-to-work day or a dozen donuts.

When we look at burnout prevention strategies in the workplace, we must look at a multifaceted approach involving individual strategies, organizational changes, and policies supporting a workplace wellness culture.

For HR, workplace managers, and leaders

For starters, we need to hear employees and that means listening to them and meeting them where they are. We need to survey employees using an anonymous feedback system. And workplaces need to make sure employees are aware of resources in the company and those outside the company in the area.

Here are several strategies which can help mitigate and manage burnout starting with the work culture. You’ll see some items on one section repeated in another.

Creating a Burnout-Resistant Workplace

1. Promote a Positive Work Environment:
   • Create opportunities for connection. That can mean sharing a funny video and having everyone laugh together. (Here is one of my faves). I love the game “throwing sound” which is an activity I’ve played with adults and youth. It inspires a lot of group laughter. That creates connection and belonging which are key components of a healthy work culture.
   • Create a supportive and inclusive atmosphere. Embrace differences and encourage ERGs, Employee Resource Groups. These voluntary, employee-led groups are based on shared interests, identities, or life experiences, and can include professional networking groups, affinity groups, or grassroots groups. These groups can help create a more inclusive workplace by providing opportunities for networking and professional development, and by nurturing a sense of belonging. Some examples of ERGs include groups made up of and led by employees who identify as LGBTQ, women, parents, military veterans, or the disabled.
   • Think outside your comfort zone. Invite a guided meditation instructor, an acupuncturist, a harpist, or a juggler. Bring in some support dogs, throw an origami party, have a stick figure drawing contest, or bring in a drummer. The list is endless but shaking things up resets the creative brain which inspires new ideas.
   • Share stories from people who work there. Nothing is more powerful than stories from colleagues. Everyone has a relatable story. That can involve allowing others to tell their story and to do that, you need to have a handout and guidelines for creating those stories. Learning more about one another opens up relationship opportunities and camaraderie. See the eBook below for guidelines on creating the stories that resonate.
2. Provide Training and Resources:
   • Bring in mental health speakers on strategies for managing stress and building resilience for example.
   • Offer training on money and time management which are often practical subjects that are sadly not offered in most schools.
   • Provide resources and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Show that you think of your employees as future leaders by helping them build the skills for the next step.
3. Regular Check-ins:
   • Get feedback via anonymous surveys.
   • Try something new.
   • Do a reverse anonymous review and give the boss feedback. Bosses need to be open to receiving the feedback as constructive.
   • Conduct regular one-on-one meetings between employees and managers instead of a traditional, one-year review.
   • Use these check-ins to discuss workload, career goals, and well-being.
4. Encourage Physical Activity:
   • Provide on-site fitness facilities, a trainer, or gym memberships.
   • Encourage walking meetings or standing desks.

See Mental Health Speaker for Workplace Programs here

Individual Burnout Prevention Strategies

1. Soul-Care: The phrase soul care is more in-depth than the more popular “self-care.” I have to give Sara Gaier credit for the concept.
   • The basics of good mental health: Prioritize sleep, exercise, a healthy diet, and connection. This is the foundation of good mental health.
   • Practice taking a pause before reacting to give the brain a moment to settle.
   • Set boundaries between work and personal life which is important if you work part time or all the time at home.
2. Time Management:
   • Break tasks into manageable chunks.
   • Use techniques to lessen distractions to maintain focus.
   • Delegate tasks when possible.
3. Seek Support:
   • Talk to colleagues, friends, or family about your stress.
   • Consider professional help from a therapist or counselor.
4. Professional Development:
   • Engage in continuous learning and skills development.
   • Seek out challenging and interesting projects.
   • I love this DBT Skill building channel on YouTube for learning new skills for managing stress and life

Organizational Changes

1. Workload Management:
   • Ensure workloads are reasonable and manageable.
   • Avoid excessive overtime and encourage regular breaks.
   • Encourage employees to use their PTO (paid time off).
2. Flexible Work Arrangements:
   • Offer options for remote work or flexible hours.
   • Allow for job sharing or part-time roles where feasible.
3. Supportive Leadership:
   • Train managers to recognize signs of burnout.
   • Encourage open communication and feedback.
4. Employee Recognition:
   • Acknowledge and reward hard work and achievements.
   • Provide training, mentorship, and other opportunities for growth and career advancement. We don’t learn in a vacuum.

Supportive Burnout Prevention Policies

1. Mental Health Resources:
   • Provide access to mental health services, such as counseling or information on discussion and support groups within or outside the organization.
   • Offer wellness programs and stress management workshops.
2. Work-Life Balance Initiatives:
   • Promote policies that support work-life balance, such as parental leave and vacation time.
   • Encourage employees to take time off and use their vacation days.
3. Inclusive Culture:
   • Foster a culture of inclusion and support, where employees feel valued and heard.
   • Address workplace issues such as bullying, harassment, and discrimination promptly also including training on how to manage bullies. Bullying can happen anywhere and equipping people with the skills to recognize and manage it can de-escalate many situations before they become workplace problems
   • Establish discussion groups such as grief and loss or toxic masculinity. Women in Business, LGBTQ groups and more. Look up ERG groups to get ideas.
4. Feedback Mechanisms:
   • Implement regular surveys or feedback tools to gauge employee satisfaction and stress levels.
   • Act on feedback to make necessary improvements.

By combining these strategies, organizations can create a healthier, more productive work environment that helps prevent and alleviate burnout. Implementing these changes requires commitment and continuous effort from both leadership and employees, but the benefits to overall well-being and productivity are substantial.

Free eBook: How to Craft Your Mental Health Story for Public Events

• Includes a content warning script template
• Clear steps to reviewing scripts & stories
• Safety guidelines for the event
• How to coach storytellers
• Handout templates for novice storytellers to write their narratives for panel events

Get the eBook

AnneMoss Rogers

AnneMoss Rogers is a leading wellness and suicide education expert and one of the top mental health speakers and suicide prevention speakers. Known for her powerful, motivational keynotes, AnneMoss combines her personal story of loss with proven strategies to help organizations build a wellness culture that drives results and saves lives.  She speaks at conferences, workplaces, K-12 schools, and universities, delivering impactful presentations that inspire change and promote mental health awareness.
AnneMoss does this work in memory of her son, Charles, who struggled with anxiety, depression, and addiction, and died by suicide at age 20 in 2015.