5 Strategies for Combating Burnout and Boosting Productivity

Employee burnout is becoming one of the biggest concerns for workers around the world. Even if you love your job, it is common to feel burnt out from time to time. According to the World Health Organization, common symptoms of workplace burnout include constant feelings of exhaustion, increased feelings of negativity, withdrawal from teammates and managers, reduced job performance, and a reduction of productivity. Below are 5 strategies for combating burnout and boosting productivity.

Identify the Cause of Your Burnout

If you are feeling burned out at work then you should take some time to reflect and identify the root cause of your burnout. The most common causes of workplace burnout include unclear expectations, work-life imbalance, and stressful workplace dynamics. Once you determine the causes of your burnout it will be easier to identify effective solutions. For example, if you find that you are experiencing burnout due to unclear job expectations, reach out to your manager and ask them to review your job expectations and define your KPI’s.

Set Boundaries

One of the top causes of workplace burnout is a lack of boundaries, which leads to a work-life imbalance. It can be challenging to set boundaries and stick to them, especially within certain industries, positions, and working conditions such as working from home. If you are struggling to set boundaries, it is important to create set working hours and to try your best to stick to your schedule. Also, turning off email notifications and limiting screen time on work platforms and devices after hours helps to create a sense of separation from work and your personal life.

Take Breaks Throughout Your Workday

To perform at your best, it is recommended to take regular breaks throughout your workday. According to Forbes, taking breaks helps to restore mental and physical energy and boosts productivity. If possible, schedule breaks throughout your day, get outside, and step away from your desk during lunchtime.

Prioritize Your Physical, Mental, and Emotional Health

If you are suffering from burnout, it is important to prioritize your physical, mental, and emotional health and wellbeing. Taking care of yourself and prioritizing all aspects of your health will promote balance and will help to combat burnout. Here are some things you can do to promote overall wellbeing:

• Physical Health: Taking care of your physical health helps to fight burnout. Exercise and nutrition work together to fight stress and burnout. Working out and eating right have several positive effects that help overall work performance including improved concentration, a sharper memory, the ability to learn faster, and increased productivity.  
• Mental and Emotional Health: Taking care of your mental and emotional health is crucial for fighting burn out. Research shows that regularly partaking in purposeful activities such as hobbies, journaling, listening to music, or reading helps to increase overall mental wellbeing. Challenging your mind and partaking in activities that you enjoy will improve mental health and help to fight workplace burnout.

Know That Fighting Burnout Takes Time

Fighting burnout and boosting productivity is a process that may take a few weeks or months to master. Try to put a few of these practices into place, and you hopefully will start to feel less burnt out and more energized throughout your workday. If you take the necessary steps to help reduce burnout, then you will also increase job performance and feel better overall.

We hope that these strategies help elevate any burnout that you may be experiencing and that they help to boost your overall productivity!

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