Workplace burnout is becoming alarmingly common in the U.S., and it shouldn’t be a surprise. Americans are working longer hours than ever. Many work weekends. Thanks to technology, it can feel like no one is ever “off the clock” if they have to answer an email or respond to a message after hours.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, workplace stress was slightly reduced as more people began working from home. But, now that things are returning to normal and with the holiday season coming up, the risk of burnout is high.

As an employer or manager, you can help your employees avoid burnout, especially during busy times of the year, in a variety of ways. Simple things like delegating responsibilities and maintaining boundaries are good places to start. But, if you want your employees to be healthy, happy, and productive, go the extra mile with a few of the following ideas.

Provide Better Perks

Standard benefits include things like vacation time, health insurance, and maybe a few additional bonuses throughout the year. But, recent studies have found that the “traditional” work perks aren’t necessarily what people are looking for anymore. Instead, today’s employees value benefits like:

  • Flexible scheduling
  • Paid family leave
  • Professional development
  • Wellness benefits
  • Mental health benefits
  • Student loan assistance

Don’t be afraid to get creative with the perks you offer. One of the easiest ways to determine what your employees want is to ask them. Major benefits like the ones listed above are important. But, you can reduce the daily stress in the office by doing things like catering free lunches or allowing your employees to bring their pets to work. Dogs, in particular, are great stress-relievers and can boost morale across the whole office. Simply put, it’s okay to let your business go to the dogs!

Encourage a Healthy Work-Life Balance

A recent survey found that 79% of Americans believe a flexible job boosts their work-life balance. Unfortunately, far too many jobs still have rigid, demanding schedules. If you can change one thing about your workplace to avoid burnout, it should be easing up on employee scheduling.

Encourage a better work-life balance. Make sure your employees are prioritizing their families by not letting them work weekends. Or, do something extra like offering gift certificates to a local romantic restaurant for a date night with their spouse. Making small scheduling changes and encouraging free time at home can make a big difference. You might be surprised at how much better the productivity levels of your employees will be when they can strike a better balance.

Promote a Positive Environment

Many Americans aren’t returning to work after experiencing remote life during the pandemic. There are multiple reasons for this, but some of the most common complaints include:

  • Unfair pay
  • Lack of benefits
  • Toxic work environment
  • No flexible scheduling

One of the best things you can do as an employer is to listen to your employees and consider the things they want/need. Doing so will help you to create a more positive work environment and a company culture people want to be a part of. Make sure your employees know they are cared for, and be authentic in your words and actions. When you validate their needs and wants and put changes into practice, you’ll reduce burnout and improve the overall well-being of those who work for you.

Beau Peters is a freelance writer from the Pacific Northwest with a passion for purpose-driven business content.