Burnout is not a new concept—it was coined back in the 1970s, referring to the combination of feeling both extremely stressed out and underappreciated at work. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) added workplace burnout to its International Classification of Diseases. Local meeting space rental provider 191 Works discusses this development in today’s article.
Defining Burnout
The WHO defines burnout as “a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.” A person experiences burnout if he or she feels exhausted, expresses negativity and cynicism to the job, and has lost the efficacy to perform tasks.
With this classification, the WHO has put the spotlight anew on a particular problem many employers have yet to combat effectively. Burnout costs employers millions of dollars every year and is responsible for a significant amount of employee turnover. Disengaged workers cost employers about 34% of their annual salary.
Ways to Reduce Stress and Burnout
For employers, it is important to tackle the problem of burnout head-on. Building resilience and improving the well-being of employees helps boost morale as well as productivity. One way to do so is to encourage monotasking. Higher-ups must provide workers with clear one-at-a-time task prioritization, definite milestones and an employee-friendly workspace. At 191 Works, our office space rental areas are designed to eliminate distractions and improve focus, leading to better productivity.
Another way for employers to combat burnout in the workplace is to give the workers time to refocus. They need to recharge and collect their thoughts during downtimes. When they do, they can maintain a more constant state of focus throughout the day. That is why our offices have lounges complete with modern decor and expansive views from large windows to provide relaxation.
191 Works is an excellent resource for both long- and short-term office space for rent, virtual office services and conferencing. With our team as an extension of your business, your company will enjoy greater visibility and an increased presence in the local area. Learn more by calling (203) 405-0005 or filling out our contact form.