How do I really address burnout?

Organizations have paid a lot of attention to wellness programs in recent years. Excellent. However, addressing the underlying issues that create the burnout in the first place is sometimes swept under the rug.

The McKinsey Health Institute found that “employees report high rates of burnout and distress symptoms, despite organizational commitment to mental health and well-being as a priority.”

They also found that the number one reason for burnout and attrition was toxic behavior. Toxic behavior is defined as, “Interpersonal behavior that leads to employees feeling unvalued, belittled, or unsafe, such as unfair or demeaning treatment, non-inclusive behavior, sabotaging, cutthroat competition, abusive management, and unethical behavior from leaders or coworkers.” In their research, “selected questions from this dimension include agreement with the statements “My manager ridicules me,” “I work with people who belittle my ideas,” and “My manager puts me down in front of others.”

How many of you have experienced this at work?

In my experience working with leaders, this type of behavior in them was often caused by a knee-jerk reaction – meaning their immediate feelings overpower them. Their judgment and empathy are compromised. This speaks directly to one’s emotional intelligence and agility.

Self-awareness and desire to grow, be the best version of yourself, can counter this reactionary self and lead you down the path of responsiveness.

Start by asking yourself these questions:

1.    How does my behavior affect my staff? (AND really pay attention)

2.    What version of myself do I want to show up? (AND really define this)

When you take control of yourself and grow, you can achieve amazing things.

I’d love to speak with you if this is something you’ve been thinking about.