4 Steps to Energise a Burnt-Out Team

Every work environment has stressful elements, though there are some that are more stress-intensive than others. Work-related stress is usually due to a cumulation of many elements including toxic coworkers, weak leadership, too much workload or the demanding nature of work.

Without intervention, these elements will affect employee productivity which will result in disengagement and burnout (read: final warning signs of employee burnout). When you are leading a team in a high-stress environment, you are responsible in keeping your team motivated and engaged. There are practical approaches you can use to turn things around and reduce the impact of the stress to your team.

Here are four steps you can take to energise your team and help prevent employee burnout.

1. Build a positive subculture

If the dominant culture of the organisation is the cause of stress, then you, as a leader, have the authority to build a more positive subculture for the employees. A subculture is formed when a group has its own shared set of values, customs and attitudes. You are capable of building a desired culture for your team that will counter any dysfunction in your organisation’s dominant culture.

For example, if your organisation’s dominant culture lacks appreciation and recognition, then you should create a subculture where you show appreciation to your team and recognise their contributions. You don’t even need any expense or effort as these gestures are as simple as consistently saying thank you.

No matter which company you work for, there are small yet consistent things a leader can do to make a workplace more pleasant and have an impact on productivity and morale. With every interaction, you are establishing your own subculture.

2. Emphasize the company’s vision

When a team experiences adversity, it is very important to unify them around common objectives and connect them. Together, their efforts will impact the success of the company and the lives of others. Emphasising how their efforts contribute to the bigger picture will revive their sense of purpose.

It is important to keep the team motivated to prevent burnout.

Whether you are finding the right talent or performing the critical work of processing payroll for the thousands of hardworking employees working for the organisation, what you do matters, whether it is recognised or appreciated by others.

Clearly expressing this vision can be a powerful catalysts that slingshots individuals out of the stress of organisational dysfunction. It redirects an employee’s energy from stress to achieving something of significance.

Find ways to remind your team of what they love about their jobs and the value they add to others’ lives. When the employees are inspired, they will look beyond themselves and work with passion to pursue goals set before them.

3. Fight for your own team

When your team is overly stressed, make sure they know through your actions and words that you have their backs. This looks like a small thing, but it goes a long way.

An evolved leader understands that their primary role is to help others achieve success, and being your team’s strongest advisor is important to their success.

Sticking up for your employees shows them that you recognise their value and focused on their well-being. This will build loyalty and trust, and it will also improve your team’s morale and adds to a more positive working environment.

Take a moment and conduct and honest self-appraisal about the support level you are providing to your team: Are you an active advocate, or a passive onlooker? Whichever you become will make all the difference.

4. Have fun together.

Sometimes the best way is to have fun together. According to studies, positive social connections at work produce highly desirable results. During stressful moments, being intentional about working on relationships and creating positive experiences within your team is essential. Relationships matter, and so does fun.

Have a little fun with your team. Use the hard times as a chance to strengthen relationships.

Plan team-building activities as incorporating fun activities into your team’s work life will help them cope with the stressors of the work environment. In addition, when people have fun together, they get to understand each other on a different level and build connections that make it easier to work positively together.

Help reduce the stress level of your employees with these four steps. You will be able to improve their workplace experience and energise them to fight another day.

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This article is based on Four Ways To Re-Energize A Stressed-Out, Burnt-Out Team by Ivelices Thomas.