Actual Causes Of Burnout-Spoiler It’s Not Just Hours Worked

Actual Causes of Burnout

Which of these burnout causes do you think is most overlooked?

If you’re feeling burned out by the weekend,

It’s not just hours that got you there:

In fact, there are much deeper causes of burnout.

Leaders should start to recognize when it’s occurring,

And take steps to help.

Use this graphic to find causes of burnout in your organization,

And then the solutions below to make things better:

1) False urgency
Solution: Determine what’s actually urgent, set realistic deadlines, and communicate those clearly

2) Unfair treatment
Solution: Ensure evaluation and promotion decisions are merit-based

3) Relentless change
Solution: Limit the number of big changes happening at once, communicate them clearly, and involve team members in the planning

4) Excessive workload
Solution: Staff adequately and give people the resources and flexibility they need – all of that will still be less expensive than turnover

5) Limited growth
Solution: Ask about career goals, provide tangible support and trainings, and prioritize promoting internally

6) Low pay
Solution: Make sure compensation is competitive, and give raises and bonuses whenever warranted and possible

7) No balance
Solution: Make work-life balance a priority, and ensure senior leaders model balance for all to see

8) Micromanagement
Solution: Make autonomy and trust central parts of the culture, and give employees space to work independently

9) Pressure to perform
Solution: Value growth and progress over perfection

10) Toxicity
Solution: Have zero tolerance for toxic employees, no matter how well they perform

11) Lack of support
Solution: Require regular one-on-one check-ins and have a mentorship program

12) Bad communication
Solution: Have leaders give regular updates, and invite questions and feedback from everyone in the organization

13) No recognition
Solution: Say thank you often, celebrate wins publicly, and create a formal recognition program

14) Monotonous work
Solution: Make time for employees to work on passion projects or to use their creativity

15) Fuzzy expectations
Solution: Make organization’s goals public, and create clear and thorough job descriptions