Burnout is a problem most organizations are facing today. Whether a seasoned employee or new member of a team, anyone can be susceptible to feeling overwhelmed and exhausted from their job. Putting solutions in place to avoid and manage this experience is necessary to create a sustainable work environment.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure… and burnout prevention can be worth even more. Estimates suggest it could take anywhere from 1 to 3 years to recover from the effect of employee burnout (Work & Stress Study).
When considering preventative measures, there are many options including reducing workloads, offering flexible work schedules, and providing company sponsored health and wellness programs - but we are going to look, specifically, at how utilizing recognition programs can help alleviate and ward off burnout.
The Power of Recognition
When thinking about recognition, it’s crucial to consider more than the formalities; when utilized properly, acknowledgment can drive motivation and boost job satisfaction. Showing appreciation is a powerful reinforcement tool that encourages positive behaviors while improving confidence and self-esteem, which are important factors in reducing burnout.
→ Related Content: The unexplored link between imposter syndrome and burnout
Recognition also goes beyond the giving and receiving of awards and thanks; it’s about fostering a genuine culture of gratitude and care within your organization. Building this kind of culture encourages team members to celebrate one another and in turn creates a positive and supportive atmosphere where employees feel cared about and able to ask for help when they need it.
Utilizing a Recognition Program to Fight Burnout
While there are many impacts of implementing a recognition program, when looking to fight burnout, try focusing on:
Boosting Employee Morale
Recognition programs can be an integral part of improving morale. When people are acknowledged and appreciated, they feel valued and understand their importance within the organization. Whether it is a simple thank you note or identification at a company-wide event, acknowledging and celebrating employee contributions reinforces their sense of belonging and purpose within the organization.
Increasing Employee Engagement
An individual that feels appreciated at their job is more likely to be engaged in the everyday culture of their organization. Subsequently, these employees are also more resilient and better able to combat the effects of stress. Recognition programs empower participants to feel a sense of ownership over their work and give them a sense of autonomy that helps them to perform at their best. Even when facing challenges or stressful circumstances, feeling engaged to your team, goals, or position helps to weather these situations without suffering burnout.
→ Related Content: Surefire Strategies to Keep Employees Engaged
Improving Work-Life Balance
One of the most common contributing factors to burnout is a poor work-life balance. Recognition programs can have a massive impact on this by creating caring and supporting environments that offer flexibility as a reward. From providing time off, remote work options, or adjusted working hours, successfully weaving your employees’ personal obligations into their work schedule is a benefit that many companies now offer.
Promoting a Positive Work Culture
The culture in a workplace has an enormous impact on the emotional state of employees. A positive work culture promotes feelings of togetherness and enhances relationships among colleagues, whereas negative cultures are toxic, leaving individuals feeling drained and overwhelmed. Utilizing peer recognition is a good way to enhance positivity on the job and provides teams the opportunity to build a collaborative environment from within. When coworkers engage with one another by paying attention to the successes and celebrating each other, they strengthen their sense of community and are more likely to depend on each other in times of need.
Employee Recognition with QRG
Our meaningful recognition solutions can help strengthen connections between employees and employers which creates a strong sense of community, leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty. Check out QRG’s recognition and retention solutions and contact an account executive for help starting a program at your company.
QRG is a customer-driven, single-source commercial printer, branded merchandise agency, and direct marketing firm tailored to meet your business goals. Our corporate identity solutions create deep connections with a lasting impact on your audience. Learn more about how it works and check out our website for more information.
