End-of-Year Stress? 7 Ways Managers Can Prevent Year-End Burnout
Burnout is becoming a major issue in today’s workplaces, with 58% of employees saying they’ve experienced it, according to a 2023 Gallup report. As we get closer to the end of the year, the problem tends to get worse. Workloads grow, deadlines pile up, and the stress of the holiday season adds to the pressure. This makes it more important than ever for managers to step in and support their teams.
Whether you’re a manager, team leader, or HR professional, you’re in a great position to spot burnout before it gets worse. In this blog, we’ll talk about what causes burnout and how you can help your team handle the stress that comes with the year-end rush.
The Growing Problem: What Is Employee Burnout?
Burnout isn’t just about feeling tired. It’s a mix of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion caused by long-term stress. The American Institute of Stress says 77% of workers feel burnout in their current jobs, and it doesn’t just mess with how they feel—it hits productivity, increases sick days, and makes people leave their jobs. Gallup found that employee disengagement jumped by 30% between 2018 and 2022, showing just how serious this issue has become.
A 2021 study also found burnout was the reason behind 50% of all work-related illnesses, leading to 17.9 million lost workdays because of stress, depression, or anxiety. As a manager, knowing how to spot burnout and deal with it is key, especially when the year-end crunch is in full swing.
What Causes Burnout?
To prevent burnout, you’ve got to understand what causes it. While stress is the main driver, there are other factors that play a big role, including:
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- Too Much Work: According to Statista, 39% of workplace stress comes from unmanageable workloads, especially when there are fewer people to handle more work. This becomes more of an issue toward the end of the year.
- Unrealistic Goals: When employees are constantly hit with shifting priorities and goals that are hard to reach, they can get overwhelmed. This leaves them feeling stuck and burned out.
- Unfair Treatment: When workers feel they’re being treated unfairly, it leads to higher disengagement and turnover.
- Lack of Recognition: Gallup found that showing employees appreciation can increase productivity by 9% and reduce absenteeism by 22%. Yet many employees still feel undervalued, and that fuels burnout.
- Poor Manager Support: When employees don’t feel supported by their managers, burnout is likely to follow. In fact, 34% of employees leave their jobs because of bad management.
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7 Ways Managers Can Prevent Year-End Burnout
As the end of the year draws near, here are seven ways managers can prevent burnout and help their teams thrive:
- Encourage Using PTO Without Guilt:
One of the easiest ways to prevent burnout is to make sure your employees are actually taking their vacation days. A 2022 Glassdoor survey found that 55% of U.S. workers didn’t use all of their paid time off, mostly because they were afraid they’d fall behind or seem less committed. Remind your team that taking time off isn’t just okay—it’s essential for staying productive and avoiding burnout. Let them know it’s fine to unplug and recharge, especially when things get hectic during the holiday season. - Offer Flexibility Where You Can:
Flexible work options have become a game-changer for reducing stress and preventing burnout. According to a 2023 LinkedIn survey, 74% of employees said having more flexible hours improved their mental well-being. So if you can, consider giving your team the option to work from home or tweak their schedules to fit personal commitments. Flexibility can help employees juggle work and life better, which is especially important when things are stressful. - Set Clear, Realistic Goals:
Big, looming year-end goals can be a major source of anxiety. A 2023 Harvard Business Review study found that employees who understand their roles and what’s expected of them are 30% less likely to experience burnout. Make sure you’re regularly checking in with your team, setting clear priorities, and breaking big projects into smaller, manageable tasks. This helps your team feel less overwhelmed and gives them a sense of accomplishment as they hit those smaller milestones. - Make Mental Health Resources Easy to Access:
Mental health is directly tied to burnout, and providing employees with support can make all the difference. A 2022 report by McKinsey showed that 60% of workers felt more supported when their companies offered mental health services, and those employees reported lower stress levels. Let your team know what resources are available, like counseling services or stress-management workshops. You could also organize wellness programs or even mindfulness sessions to create a more supportive environment. - Give Credit Where It’s Due:
Everyone loves to feel appreciated, especially during stressful times. Gallup’s 2023 report found that employees who feel recognized are 73% less likely to experience burnout. Whether it’s a simple thank-you note, a shoutout in a meeting, or a more formal reward like a bonus, acknowledging hard work goes a long way in boosting morale and keeping people motivated through the busy season. - Set the Tone for Work-Life Balance:
As a manager, how you handle your own work-life balance sends a strong message to your team. A 2023 Deloitte survey found that 82% of workers take cues from leadership when it comes to balance. So, if you’re setting healthy boundaries—like avoiding late-night emails or taking time off when needed—your team will likely follow suit. Leading by example encourages everyone to prioritize their well-being, which helps reduce burnout across the board. - Be Smart About Workload Distribution:
One of the biggest burnout triggers is too much work. A 2023 study by the World Health Organization found that employees who felt overloaded were 50% more likely to deal with severe stress. Take time to review your team’s workload regularly. If things are too heavy, consider bringing in temporary staff, reassigning tasks, or extending deadlines where possible. A more balanced workload helps your team stay on track without getting overwhelmed.
How Infojini Can Help
At Infojini, we know how critical it is to maintain a healthy, balanced workforce, especially during stressful times like the year-end rush. Our staffing solutions give managers the flexibility they need, whether it’s adding temporary team members to lighten the load or offering wellness workshops to support mental health. Infojini is here to help your organization create an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and balanced—even during the busiest times of the year.
Conclusion
The year-end period doesn’t have to push your team to the brink of burnout. By encouraging the use of PTO, offering flexible work options, setting clear goals, making mental health resources accessible, recognizing efforts, setting healthy boundaries, and managing workloads smartly, you can help your team navigate this stressful season with less strain and more support. With these strategies, not only will your team finish the year strong, but they’ll also start the new year feeling refreshed and motivated.
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