Are Your Managers Experiencing Burnout? Here's What You Can Do

Studies show that over 50% of managers are currently experiencing burnout, a problem that has been exacerbated by the pandemic. Front-line managers, in particular, are feeling the strain of leading their teams through challenging times, resulting in exhaustion, cynicism, and a perceived lack of professional achievement. As a manager of managers, it is essential to address this issue.

One effective approach is to connect their work to a greater sense of purpose. Encourage managers to reflect on their values and motivators and find ways to align their work with them. This can give them a renewed sense of purpose and drive.

Another strategy is to focus on learning and development. Provide managers with new, exciting challenges that align with their skills and interests, and have open conversations about the skills and resources needed to achieve their goals. Creating transparent career paths can also help alleviate feelings of burnout.

Flexible work arrangements can also be beneficial. Empowering managers to have more control over their schedules can help reduce feelings of exhaustion and lack of autonomy.

Finally, it is crucial to create a psychologically safe environment where managers can speak up about their burnout and feel comfortable seeking self-care, if needed. Encourage them to take any steps that can help them recover.

Managing burnout requires effort and commitment. By providing a sense of purpose, focusing on learning and development, enacting flexible work arrangements, and creating a psychologically safe environment, managers can be better supported and equipped to find success in their jobs and working with clients and colleagues.