Page 4 - The MIL Leadership Line: April 2022

How to help your team deal with burnout

Have you noticed that your usually dependable team member(s) is suddenly missing
deadlines, failing to get their work done, disappearing for long periods of time, or
suddenly prone to outbursts and other erratic behavior? There’s a chance that they
may be experiencing burnout. How can you help?

Understand the root cause: there can be many contributing factors such as heavy
workload, lack of leadership, no clarity around roles and expectations, and unfair
treatment. The factors can also be external such as financial or family stress. Speaking
to your team directly will help you understand the source.

Key tips: Have in-person conversations, don’t make assumptions, and ask questions!

Be an advocate: This means making sure your direct reports are well taken care
of and supported! This is especially true when it comes to burnout. How can you
advocate?

Examples: Protect their time, offer more flexible work scheduled (if able), and provide
access to relevant resources.

Demonstrate compassion and empathy: While there may be times you
get frustrated with your team, or vice versa, you must overcome this obstacle
together. Frustration is normal, so remind yourself to view the situation through a
compassionate and empathetic lens.

Take care of your own wellbeing: Managers also need to take care of their own
mental and physical wellbeing to help their employees through burnout. That way,
you’re setting a positive example for the rest of your team to prioritize their health at
work. You can even create ways to tackle self-care as a team!
Remember: Respect boundaries, take time off, and allow yourself to be vulnerable.

Dealing with team burnout is always challenging. But as a manager, you can do things to identify the signs
early and be proactive about addressing them. By acting on some of the tips described above, you can
minimize the negative impact of team burnout and come out of the experience with an even stronger bond
with your employees.

Your Employee Assistance Program

is here to help

If you or someone you care about are having trouble managing stress, Worklife
Matters can help. Your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides both you and
your eligible household members with free and confidential support for a wide array
of personal challenges and can help you develop a plan to manage the stress in your
life. EAP assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
To learn more, visit the EAP website at https://worklife.uprisehealth.com/

Reminder! Most major colleges end their Spring Semester in May.

April is a great time to reach out to students and interns to see if they will return to
MIL for the summer!