Great compensation packages. Security. Flexible working hours. Work-life balance.
These are just some of the major benefits a job hunter is looking for nowadays. Seven years from now, millennials are set to make up 75 percent of the global workforce and they are the ones that tend to quit their jobs if they didn’t feel engaged at work. So as an employer, it is highly important to create a work environment that is both positive and supportive. That’s because when burnout kicks in, employees have a high likelihood of being inefficient and will eventually leave the company.
What is burnout?
Burnout refers to symptoms that develop from stress and being overworked. It leads to the inability to manage daily demands in one’s environment due to stress and exposure to such stress over time. According to a Swedish study, burnout changes neural circuits in the brain and hurts people’s ability to cope with stressful situations. People who are burned out have trouble regulating their emotions and have weaker connections between the brain areas that are associated with executive function. The study found that burned out people have a difficulty suppressing negative emotions, which could make them more vulnerable to symptoms of depression. Sadly, burnout has become a global phenomenon and is the new norm in most western societies.
Having said that, there are ways to cope with professional stress before it even becomes a more serious problem. A stress expert recommends the ACE system, which involves an awareness of your stress triggers, choosing one at a time to alleviate, and experiencing self-care. It is also suggests talking to your supervisor about the issue since companies are now aware of burnout’s negative effects on the company in the long run.
Benefits of a Healthy Work Environment
While a paycheck is nice, it actually goes straight to our financial obligations. However, being appreciated is something you carry in your being every day. Appreciation makes us happy; and happiness, when encouraged, is contagious. It can spread throughout an entire organization. Employees who enjoy their work make excellent role models for their peers and encourage them to also take joy in their work.
A positive work environment creates employees that support each other. Fully engaged employees are more willing to help fellow workers and to provide positive support for group projects. At the same time, satisfied employees are open to ask for support when needed, which creates a healthy line of communication.
Employees who are absolutely happy in their work are more efficient, fulfilled, and successful. This boost in confidence results in greater performance for both the employee and the employer. A study at the University of Warwick found that happy employees are 12 percent more productive than unhappy employees. It was revealed that human happiness has substantial effects on productivity.
Turnover is costly. Some studies show that the cost of losing an employee can be as much as 6 to 9 months of salary. By creating a positive work environment, you can help your company keep its employees and lower expenses for training and recruiting.
Absenteeism reduces productivity. When employees are unhappy in their workplace, they tend to call out sick, which affects their output. On the other hand, a healthy workplace produces employees that are lively and are absent less often. Happy employees are more motivated to stay in work, recover from sickness faster, and are less likely to develop long-term illnesses.
Companies that promote work-life balance can lower their recruitment costs. When your employees are happy, they enjoy their job and the people they work with, minimizing their chances of leaving to work for your competitors.
Why a Healthy Workplace Matters to Xceptional
Our goal here at Xceptional is to create a workplace that is both healthy and creative. We are a marketing firm rooted in a positive work environment and are dedicated to encouraging our employees to love their work. We believe that innovation is the lifeblood of any business and satisfied employees are inspired and can create the solutions any business needs to succeed. We strive to create a culture where leaders are leading by example because we believe that setting a positive example is a critical part of any company’s success.