Workplace burnout doesn’t discriminate. Any employee in any role in any industry can experience burnout at some point. However, public sector employees frequently experience it because their positions are so demanding.

When an employee is burnt out, it affects their work performance. This impacts the entire operation and makes it difficult to serve customers, ultimately influencing profitability. As such, leadership is the key to minimizing workplace burnout and ensuring employees are well taken care of. The best way public leaders can do this is through intention. By addressing employee burnout with intention and providing various solutions for it, public leaders can show employees they care, thus leading to better morale, retention, and a better-fueled workforce.

Employee Burnout Is Rising in the Public Sector

As of recently, most of the burnout the public sector experienced could be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. Like most industries, the public sector was hit with staff reductions, a sudden shift to remote work, and tighter budgets.

This meant heavier workloads, longer hours, and fewer resources for public sector employees. On top of trying to do more with less, the intense nature of the work didn’t falter.

So, it’s no wonder employee burnout skyrocketed during this time and remains that way as we rebuild and recover from the last few years. If we want to interrupt this trend, leadership must intervene. 

Why Leadership Is Critical in Mitigating Burnout

Mitigating burnout starts from the top down. If leaders don’t believe burnout is real, they won’t do anything to stop it. In addition, when leaders value work more than they cherish their workers, they won’t see anything wrong with more responsibility and unrealistic expectations.

On the other hand, leaders that understand and appreciate the reality of burnout will be more inclined to put support measures in place for their employees. They’ll be mindful of the responsibilities they give each worker and the expectations they place on them for the sake of their well-being.

Leaders also play a significant role in creating workplace culture. When they can create an environment where employees are encouraged to take care of themselves and ask for what they need, it only aids the fight against workplace burnout.

Tips for Leaders to Help With Employee Burnout

If employee burnout is peaking in your workplace, use these tips to minimize and hopefully eliminate it.

Offer a robust benefits package

As mentioned above, employee burnout does nothing good for the employee experiencing it, the rest of your team, or your customer relationships. The worst solution to the common problem is something that prevents many employees from reaching out: a lack of support.

That’s where a robust healthcare benefits package comes in. A solid benefits package can provide the support your employees need through essential services that can prevent burnout and help them navigate it should it happen.

Your health insurance should cover preventative services like wellness exams and immunizations to prevent disease and ensure good health. It should also include access to mental health and emotional wellness resources to support a healthy lifestyle for your employees.

Here are a few other things to include in your benefits package:

• Vision care;
• Child care;
• Dental insurance;
• Accessibility aids;
• Paid vacation and sick leave;
• Fitness and nutrition resources.