Business Connect Magazine published this article in their September 2008 issue. I wrote the main article but not the sidebar. However, I included it anyway:
Avoid Employee Burnout
You have a job, but do you have a life?
- Issue:September 2008
- Author:Esther Yu Sumner
Companies in Utah are demanding higher performance from their workforces. But consistently working long hours, sacrificing sleep, skipping meals, and neglecting family and friends almost always leaves employees exhausted, detached and prone to defecting to healthier job environments.So how do you keep employees satisfied when they’re stressed? Here are tips to help balance the workload:
Give Praise
Good managers don’t take employees for granted. Recognition for a job well done can come in myriad ways. It can be as simple as pulling an employee aside to say that his or her efforts are noticed. It may also include public recognition in front of the company or team, devoting a special lunch for groups that worked late to launch a project, or providing some sort of monetary gift such as a bonus, extra time off or a T-shirt to commemorate the completion of a project.
Recharge the Battery
“People can sprint for short periods of time, but you can’t continually sprint,” says Max Neves, vice president of administration and human resources at 1-800-CONTACTS in Draper. “Employees need change, whether it’s a new project, a new rotation or a three-week sabbatical to recharge their batteries.”
In July 2008, the Draper company was recognized by the Utah Department of Workforce Services Work/Life Awards for its ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
“Our employees put in a lot of hours at times, so they are recognized. There’s no formal comp time but they are told to take a week off to recharge their batteries,” Neves says.
Lighten the Load
Reduce stress by creating an inviting work atmosphere. “One of our core values is a sense of humor,” Neves says. “We take our work seriously but ourselves lightly.”
1-800-CONTACTS also caters to its employees’ taste buds. The company has a company-subsidized gourmet cafeteria open from 6 a.m. until midnight. Employees who stay late can still eat well. However, the company will also buy them take-out on occasions like that so that the perk doesn’t become an excuse not to provide more on special occasions.
Other perks include special company events like sports tickets, movie days and bagel days.
Keep the Communication Open
Make sure managers and HR personnel take employee concerns seriously and are willing to consider long-term solutions to problems. Employees might need a change, whether it’s being moved to a different project within their own team, or shifting to a different job altogether within the company. They might just need a change that will excite and challenge them.
Also, many companies have routine annual or bi-annual manager-employee reviews that give managers a chance to recognize employee contributions.
Cathy Donahoe, HR director at Omniture, says it’s important to consider generational aspects, as well.
“Perks and solutions for overworked Generation Xers may not work the same for Baby Boomers,” she says.
Help employees feel needed and purposeful at the company. If they don’t feel any love from the company, why should they love it back?
[SIDEBAR]
Boost the Energy at Your Company
• Build “renewal rooms” where people can go to relax and refuel.
• Subsidize gym memberships.
• Encourage managers to gather employees for midday workouts.
• Suggest that people stop checking e-mails during meetings.
• Reduce stress by engaging in cardiovascular activity at least three times a week and strength training at least once.
• Eat small meals and light snacks every three hours.
• Take brief but regular breaks away from your desk at 90- to 120-minute intervals throughout the day.
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