How leaders can help their employees recharge
- Champa Ha
Leaders can head the charge to help employees re-charge and reduce burnout with the help of prioritising employees and the time taken to work.
This was one of the suggestions given by Jennifer Twiner McCarron, Thunderbird Entertainment CEO & Chair and an award-winning producer with more than 20 years of experience. As burnout has become a reality affecting employees of all levels, McCarron gave some advice to employees and managers looking to de-stress, finding ways to proactively reduce burnout and stress, as well as reducing turnover, and staffing shortages and raise productivity.
The first is to acknowledge the emotions that can be available when it comes time to connect with their employee as it strengthens trust and foster a workplace culture that cultivates transparency, vulnerability, and respect. However, to make sure the elements of acknowledgement and openness are consistently hashed, and that employees consistently have time to recharge, leaders should take it upon themselves to model the behaviour in question. “By demonstrating that we can only give our best when we feel our best, we’re opening the door for our team members to do so as well,” she said.
Next, finding the source of motivators that drive employees is something that should be done emphatically, which can be done affordably by supporting employee-led initiatives, offering training and mentoring, promoting work through company-wide recognition programs, financial incentives and more. Lastly, leaders should create and work out a wellness programme and plan to support employees, offering mental health resources and support, like counselling, physical activities, flexible benefits plans and more.
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“As with any relationship, helping to build and sustain a healthy relationship with work requires an ongoing commitment,” McCarron concluded in an article for Forbes.“Find what works for you and your team—and be authentic in your approach.”
