Workplace Wellbeing: Avoid Employee Burnout

Those of us in the accounting industry are well aware of the demanding nature of our chosen profession.  We were warned about the grueling hours and overtime while in college, but perhaps thought we were immune to the burnout that so many experience.

Some argue that certain working environments simply require hard work and long hours; if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen!  That’s certainly an ideal that most Baby Boomers grew up with.  In the past, employees were expected to simply suck it up (for lack of a better term).  More recently, however, companies are starting to notice just how detrimental employee burnout can be.

More than a quarter of respondents in a recent  survey of UK accounting industry employees said not feeling well looked after would make them less likely to stay with an employer long-term, and 20% said this would make them feel less motivated and productive.  While those percentages may not seem astounding, workplace wellbeing has a tangible business impact on firms in terms of loyalty and retention.

Beyond benefits, workers want trust and appreciation

In recent years, employees have shown loyalty and dedication by working harder for their employers through challenging economic times.  Now that the worst of the recession is over, employees are looking for more than just job stability; they want to be treated well by their employers, as opposed to simply be employed.

First and foremost, it’s integral that workers feel trusted and appreciated in their careers.  With the ever-expanding desire for more flexibility in work hours, location, etc., companies must trust their employees to do their jobs and appreciate them for their efforts, rather than simply tell them what to do.  (It is amazing what a sense of autonomy and self-assurance can do for most people!)

The more obvious component to wellbeing in the workplace is, of course, a good benefits package (including financial support through ill health and financial provision in old age).  On-site gyms, subsidized massages, paid maternity leave, and psychologist referral programs are also examples of going above and beyond to make sure employees are happy and healthy.

Investing in employees doesn’t have to cost you

Some companies may grumble that they don’t have the capital for such elaborate offerings, but making sure your employees are taken care of can cost you exactly $0!  The New York Times article “Why You Hate Work,” offers suggestions such as mandating that meetings run no longer than 90 minutes; setting boundaries around when people are expected to answer email and how quickly they’re expected to respond; making sure your employees know that multiple breaks per day are welcome; and explicitly rewarding leaders and managers who exhibit empathy and care for their teams.

Moral of the story: If you’re a business owner dealing with employees, you should focus on doing everything you can to make sure your employees feel trusted and appreciated.  The cost of high turnover is much greater than the time and attention it requires to improve your employees’ wellbeing and your office environment.

What are YOU going to do for your employees to make sure they feel well taken care of?