More than half of workers across all industries say they’ve experienced job burnout this year, and when you zone in on tech, the number jumps to 60%. It’s so common the World Health Organization has recognized it as an occupational phenomenon.
Symptoms of burnout start off small, with employees experiencing reduced efficiency and energy, lowered levels of motivation, reduced job satisfaction, decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, poor workplace morale, and increased turnover.
Left unaddressed, symptoms become even more severe, causing sleeplessness, headaches, depression, anxiety, and—over a long enough time—heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and premature death.
Do any of these symptoms sound familiar? If the answer is “yes,” you’ll want to check out these six ways you can protect yourself—and your team—from burnout.
- Encourage daily meditation
In IT services, workplace meditation might seem counterintuitive. After all, there are so many tickets and so little time. Sitting around and saying “oooooommmm”—while fun—doesn’t get work done.
Or does it?
According to growing research, a bit of daily mindfulness lower stress levels and boost immune systems while increasing productivity.
On the blog: Unlocking Greater Performance From Your IT Team With Workplace Meditation
From the Franky MSP podcast: Boost Your Productivity With Meditation – FMSP 005
- Prevent alert fatigue
We live in an age of information overload, surrounded by devices abuzz with alerts and notifications.
It can be overwhelming and stress-inducing, but it isn’t something you have to learn to live with. With the right tools and a bit of planning, it’s possible to use alerts effectively and keep your sanity intact.
On the blog: 6 Pro Tips for Handling IT Alert Fatigue
- Focus on sleep
You wouldn’t imagine allowing yourself or your techs to come to work drunk, but according to a study from the University of South Wales in Sydney, Australia, moderate sleep deprivation can be just as disruptive to productivity as intoxication.
Yet in IT support, getting the minimum hours of sleep can be a challenge. With so many tickets, projects, and deadlines, you’re often overworked and under-rested. But getting a solid eight hours of sleep a night can improve employee relationships and performance levels.
On the blog: MSP Productivity: The High Cost of Sleepy Employees
- Train your clients not to call your personal cell
One of the biggest challenges for any IT solution provider or MSP is dealing with a constantly ringing telephone. Whether you’re on site, at your desk, or already on the phone, a client is calling.
The trouble with the telephone is that there’s no sense of priority: Every call must be answered, even if it means stopping what we’re doing right then to answer it.
The result? At best, an interrupted workflow. At worst, you get nothing done at all because you’re constantly being interrupted. So take back your time by taking control.
On the blog: MSP Productivity: How to Deal With a Constantly Ringing Phone
- Introduce shorter work weeks
You probably know what it’s like to work well over a 40-hour week. It seems ridiculous to even consider reducing regular work hours…right?
Mmm… maybe not.
Many companies who have successfully reduced work hours have experienced better employee wellness, both mental and physical, and enhanced productivity.
On the blog: Could Your Tech Team Be More Productive — by Working Less?
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