Finance & burnout: 3 strategies to help decrease employees’ stress at work

Burnout rates are steadily rising for many employees, especially for Finance pros. Left unchecked, this can negatively impact your company’s bottom line.

In fact, burnout is one of the top reasons employees are leaving their companies during the pandemic.

A recent survey found that almost half of workers have thought about changing their careers in the last 12 months. That, combined with historic levels of job vacancies, could cause serious issues with retention and lead to a costly hiring process.

Practices to prevent burnout

But what’s the best way to fight burnout in Finance?

Experts say there are several strategies you can try from the top, whether staffers are still working at home, in the office or both.

Here are three of the most effective ways to prevent burnout:

1. Have leaders set the example. Burnout is contagious, according to an article from Inc. Over 70% of workers who said their managers were suffering from burnout also said “many” of their team members seemed burned out. This shows how crucial it is to set a good example from the top down. Managers should take breaks and discourage employees from working long hours.

2. Emphasize the importance of balance. Since the pandemic began, many Finance employees have made odd hours and weekend work the norm, particularly if they spent any time teleworking. This behavior is a one-way ticket to burnout. Setting boundaries is key here. Workdays should have clear start and stop times, and workers should avoid things like answering emails at midnight.

3. Be positive. Take time to recognize employees for their hard work. Praise can come from managers or peers, but it’s key to acknowledge the effort employees have put in and celebrate their wins. Give workers support, and they’ll feel comfortable discussing their challenges instead of just quitting.