Burnout is a growing phenomenon in the workforce, affecting employees’ health and productivity. It has been classified as an occupational phenomenon by the World Health Organization since 2019, with three core components: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment.
Most employers are now aware of the potential costs associated with employee burnout, such as decreased productivity, poor performance, and increased absenteeism. Fortunately, occupational medicine (OccMed) programs can play an important role in helping to prevent and manage burnout. Let’s explore the role of OccMed in managing workplace burnout and discuss how employers can use these services to reduce the impact of burnout in their workforce.
What is Employee Burnout?
Employee burnout is a syndrome coined as a result of chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It consists of three main components: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment.
Emotional exhaustion – Employees may feel overwhelmed and unable to cope with their workload. They may also experience feelings of worthlessness, lack of motivation, and low energy.
Depersonalization – Employees may become detached from their work and develop a sense of cynicism or negativism related to it. This detachment can lead to decreased resilience when faced with challenging tasks and may result in a lack of job satisfaction.
Reduced Professional efficacy – Employees may no longer feel capable or competent to perform their duties at the level they were once able to. This can lead to feelings of incompetence and low self-esteem.
How Can OccMed Programs Help Combat Burnout?
OccMed programs can help employees reduce burnout by providing preventative care, such as annual physicals and screenings. Regular checkups can help identify any underlying health conditions and provide employees with the tools they need to manage them. In addition, programs like health coaching and nutrition counseling can support employees in making positive lifestyle changes that will improve overall health.
OccMed programs can also provide mental health services to help employees cope with the psychological stress of burnout. These services may include stress management, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and counseling. Additionally, OccMed can help employers create a healthier work environment by providing resources and programs that address workplace stressors such as long hours, high demands, and lack of work/life balance.
How Liberty can help
At Liberty, we are dedicated to providing quality OccMed services for our clients. Our highly experienced staff is committed to helping make your workplace a healthier, happier environment. We have three locations in the southeast PA area and offer services such as employee physicals, drug screens and other lab tests, injury care, and vaccinations.
Additionally, our staff is experienced in dealing with the unique needs of different industries, so we can provide tailored services to meet your specific needs. Our goal is to help you create a safe, healthy workplace that will reduce the risk of employee burnout and its associated costs.
Mitigating Burnout With Occupational Medicine Services
Employee burnout is a serious issue and when left unchecked, can cause debilitating effects. In the workplace, burnout can lead to decreased job satisfaction and poor overall performance. At Liberty, we believe that preventive measures and policies should be implemented in order to prevent such an incident from happening in the first place.
Our team of experts offers comprehensive OccMed services designed to ensure all key elements of employee wellness are taken into consideration. We understand the importance of creating a working environment that is conducive to wellbeing so that everyone involved in the workplace feels supported and valued. If you have any experiences with burnout in the workplace, let us know about it in the comments below, and talk to us about where you need help. Together, we can create a healthier workplace for everyone involved.