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BURNOUT SYMPTOMS: HOW SHOULD I REACT AS A BOSS?

14. September 2017 / general
resilience

In my blog published on 4 July, I explained the differences between the three (pre-)burnout phases and the symptoms that characterize them. Today, I will explore the following question: How should I act as a manager if one of my employees is displaying these symptoms? The most important step you can take is to reach out to the individual in question and talk to him about it – even if you may not find this easy.

As a boss, you have done everything in your power to show appreciation, to lead your people in a targeted manner, to create clear roles and processes, and to build a good team culture. Despite all this, one of your employees is now displaying the burnout symptoms I described in my last blog. So what is the best course of action you can take in this type of situation? There may be a tendency among some managers to avoid engaging in discussions with employees such as these as they can prove an uncomfortable experience. It is difficult to know how exactly to broach the subject. However, an open discussion can have a big impact. It should ideally consist of three phases:

 

The main objective of this first discussion is for the employee to feel that he has been noticed and is being taken seriously – and for both sides to identify the contribution they can make towards improving the situation. Employees must be willing to consider their own patterns of behavior and actions and to work on them. As a manager, you should also demonstrate that you are willing to make changes. Think about your own conduct and – if possible and appropriate – change working processes, focus on developing a new team culture, etc. – depending on the reasons and triggers of the (pre-) burnout being experienced by the employee.

 

Others are often the first to notice

If the affected employee recognizes the need for action to be taken, you can also arrange for him to receive specialist counselling if required. In an initial phase, coaching is advisable. In a second or third phase, a combination of coaching and psychotherapy may be the recommended course of action. If the burnout is at an advanced stage, the individual may require residential treatment at a burnout clinic.

The situation becomes more difficult if the employee in question does not see any need to take action. This is often the case in the pre-burnout phase 1 (‘Activity and aggression’), when the employee works tirelessly and tries to keep everything under control but is no longer able to find a sense of calm and inner peace. In this phase, people at work and in the individual’s private life often notice the changes before the employee sees them him. If – following the first discussion described above – there is no improvement at the next meeting or if the individual still fails to see the need to take measures, it is then time to involve your HR business partner so that it becomes clear to the employee that he needs to address the situation. If the quality of his work has declined, the employee must recognize that something needs to change.

The longer the process lasts, the greater is the need for further, tougher measures to be taken (e.g. involve your line manager or take official steps under employment law) – no matter how much you respect the individual. This is important as it will become more difficult to help the employee return to his original level of performance once he reaches pre-burnout phase 2 (“Flight and withdrawal”) or even phase 3 (“Isolation and inertia” with depressive tendencies) without the individual having to attend residential treatment – which is a protracted and painful process for both sides.

In summary: How should you address the topic of stress and burnout as a manager? The answer is: exemplify – observe – address – act.

 

© Claudia Kraaz