Title: Employee burnout and why you should care

If your employees are constantly under stress they may be at risk, for burnout. While employee burnout may seem like nothing more then a business buzzword, the reality is that it can create a toxic environment, within your business. Employees who are suffering from burnout are less likely to be productive, may struggle with getting their work done on time and are at far more risk, for serious health problems. The health problems that can result from employee burnout can be expensive, for both the employee and the employer. In addition, employee burnout tends to have a demoralizing effect on all employees and can significantly lower the morale of your business. Here is what you should know about employee burnout and why you should care.

- Know the signs of employee burnout-The first step knows the signs of employee burnout. Once you know what to look for, you can then take proactive steps to make sure that it does not become a more serious problem within your business. The signs of employee burnout are-
1. Even the smallest requests have employees overreacting.
2. You constantly hear complaints about work duties and health problems.
3. The environment seems to be one of constant stress. No one seems to be enjoying their job or feeling happy.
4. Employees seem to be constantly irritated or on edge.
5. No one seems to be enjoying their work.
6. You are receiving constant requests for time off.
7. Employees who are affected by burnout seem lethargic or very fatigued while at work.
Managers, who care about the health of their employees, will be in tune with these signs of employee burnout. While it may seem inconsequential, successful employers are finding that being in tune with the health of their employees, and promoting health is the best way to help the bottom line.

- Know why you should care-Some business owners and other managers simply take the attitude that everyone who works for them, should just feel lucky that they have a job. However, if you have employees in your business that are suffering from burnout it does not just affect them. As mentioned above employee burnout can seriously affect both productivity and profitability. Worse yet, if the employee(s) in your company, are in key position, the burnout can begin to affect other employees, causing a drop in employee morale, which leads to lower production, which only contributes to a vicious cycle. In addition, studies have shown that employees, who are suffering from job burnout, are far more likely to become ill. This means that they will be taking more sick leave, using more health insurance, and affecting the health care costs, for the entire business.The bottom line is that it is in everyone's best interest to recognize and care about employee burnout.
- Know how you can help-One of the best and most effective things that any employer can do to combat employee burnout, is to have an open line of communication with your employees. When your employees feel comfortable approaching you, there is far less chance they will become overburdened and experience burnout. In addition, meeting with your employees on a regular basis, can help you to determine if the workload is equitable and fair. By knowing what is going with your employees, you can spot and prevent potential problems, before they turn into full fledged employee burnout. In addition, working to create a company culture that is happy, laugher filled and has a positive energy can go a long way toward helping to combat employee burnout. Letting your employees know that you appreciate their contributions to your business, will help to foster morale and combat employee burnout.