Page 25 - LRCC May 2022 Focus

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How Supervisors and Colleagues Can

Create a Supportive Work Environment

• Watch for signs of burnout in yourself and others. • Lack of social interaction
• Show sincere interest in the needs, hopes and • Lower productivity
dreams of others. • Anxiety
• Demonstrate a willingness to help others and refer • Lack of hobbies
them to resources. • Missed work deadlines and/or targets
• Show compassion for people experiencing loss or • Persistent tiredness in the mornings
other personal issues. • Physical illness
• Work burnout is a serious problem and comes • Procrastination at work and home
at greater risk during times of intense stress and • Repeated lateness for work
pressure. • Resentfulness
• Many people are stressed, putting in more work • Social withdrawal from friends and/or family
hours than ever before. • Anger or aggressive behavior
• Many are finding it difficult to separate work and • Apathy
home life. • Fatigue and/or chronic exhaustion
• Denial of problems at work or at home
Managers who are skilled at empathetic leadership can • Feeling pressured or out of control
recognize signs of overwork in others before burnout • Increased alcohol/drug/caffeine consumption
becomes an issue that results in disengagement or • Avoidance of decision making
turnover. This might mean taking a few extra minutes • Change in appetite or diet
each week to check in with team members and gauge • General neglect of personal needs
how they’re handling their current workload and
helping them to recover from overwork. Do you notice these things in your employees or
colleagues? If so, ask them how they are doing. Listen
SIGNS OF BURNOUT: and reflect, provide the appropriate resources, invite
a speaker to discuss well-being topics and resources,
• High blood pressure and regularly give reminders on resources like
• Headaches counseling, an employee assistance program, or other
• Inability to focus well-being resources at work and in the community.
• Irritability
• Job dissatisfaction Source: Michigan State University WorkLife Office.
• Lack of sleep or reduced sleep quality Home | MSU WorkLife Office

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