The signs of employee burnout are not that difficult to pinpoint. One of the most recognizable is the feeling of always being tired, with a lack of energy. Another is decreased job performance; others experience negative or cynical feelings about their jobs and a more distant feeling about their position, work responsibilities, and employer.

Employee burnout is not only harmful for employees; it can lead to workplace accidents and injuries. These workers may be less aware of what is going on around them and have slower response times, increased agitation, and unsafe work habits. Those who work with heavy machinery, perform medical procedures, drive company vehicles, and work with tools are at an even higher risk of unintentionally hurting themselves and others.

An Occupational Phenomenon

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines employee burnout as a diagnosable condition and refers to it as an occupational phenomenon. They state that it results from continual, unmanaged workplace stress that applies to the job and no other areas of the employee’s life. Although they do not classify it as a medical condition, it influences the health of those who experience it.

WHO is in the process of creating evidence-based guidelines that will promote workplace mental wellness for employees and employers, and there are other resources that offer recommendations as well.

How Managers Can Help

Employee burnout is a serious safety concern but may not be as easy to detect as other safety hazards, like an employee without their hardhat. Managers can focus on identifying symptomatic workers and intervening when possible. An employee who seems anxious, irritable, or violent may be very stressed. On the other hand, someone who seems like they are in a daze, fatigued, has low morale, or is using drugs or alcohol could be burnt out.

If confronting the employee directly is difficult, another option is to conduct group presentations. Offering support and training and resources like employee assistance can be very useful. Workers can also be instructed about how to report illnesses, accidents, and safety concerns to the proper channels without fear of discrimination or retaliation.

Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. Understand the Effects of Employee Burnout

Employee burnout affects workplaces all over the country and can impact your health and safety. Reach out to an experienced Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyer at Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. for a knowledgeable case evaluation today. Call us at 888-PITT-LAW or complete an online form today.

We have offices in Philadelphia, Bensalem, Lansdowne, and Reading to assist clients in Berks County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County and throughout Pennsylvania, including those in the communities of Abington, Ambler, Ardmore, Bala Cynwyd, Bensalem, Clifton Heights, Crum Lynne, Darby, Downingtown, Doylestown, Drexel Hill, Essington, Folcroft, Glenolden, Haverford, Havertown, Holmes, Kutztown, Lansdowne, Media, Merion Station, Morton, Narberth, Norristown, Norwood, Philadelphia, Prospect Park, Quakertown, Reading, Roxborough, Sharon Hill, Upper Darby, West Chester and Wynnewood.