Long before the pandemic hit some years ago, drivers and employees were already experiencing burnout. Despite appearances, the demands of work combined with personal life can leave them feeling overwhelmed. It was then that the term "burned out" began to be used to describe those so exhausted that they ceased to be effective in their work.
Over the past 20 years, there has been a shift in working life, where dedication and personal interactions have had a negative impact. On the positive side, as this situation has become increasingly common, it has gained media attention. This has created a need for solutions, which we offer, along with ways to recognize and address the challenges faced by these burned-out workers.
What is burnout syndrome?
It's commonly known by three names: burnout syndrome, burnout, and personal burnout. It affects people both physically and mentally, especially those exposed to constant stress. It's important to clarify that burnout isn't a disease in itself, but it can trigger other problems.
According to specialists, burnout leads to a progressive loss of energy and motivation, and an increase in aggressive behavior. It also includes physical symptoms such as migraines, nausea, and difficulty sleeping or concentrating. Of course, these symptoms can vary among workers, ranging from mild to severe.
Can stress kill your drivers?
While many have said the phrase "dying of stress," that's not exactly what could cause someone's death. According to a 2021 study published by the WHO, working more than 55 hours a week increases the risk of strokes and heart disease.
Furthermore, the increase in depression and anxiety among workers costs approximately one trillion dollars annually. So, no, burnout wouldn't directly kill your drivers , but being immunocompromised and exhausted certainly could. That's why it's so important to know how to deal with this in companies; moreover, addressing it helps them navigate turbulent times.
Stages of burnout
It's important to understand the stages of burnout so that both employees and managers can identify them early. Because it's quite simple: these stages progress from mild symptoms to complete job burnout.
Phase of idealism and motivation
Initially, the person may be very involved in their work, hence the name of this phase. However, this can lead to voluntary overwork and exhausting workdays. The employee treats their profession as something stimulating, beginning to blur its boundaries.
Stagnation phase
The worker experiences a transformation in their values and ideals after this whole situation. As a result, the number of daily tasks they had been performing began to decrease since expectations were no longer met. They perceive that the relationship between their effort and reward is not what they had hoped for, and begin to feel inadequate.
Apathy phase
This is often referred to by specialists as the central phase, since frustration and apathy are the main symptoms. Conflict situations begin to arise, leading people to become withdrawn or to choose to defend themselves or avoid stressful tasks. It is at this stage that the first health problems appear.
Distancing phase
Feelings of frustration, low self-esteem, and detachment become increasingly common at this stage. Nothing that existed in the initial phase, such as the drive to excel, remains. All motivation has been replaced by a more comfortable and less engaged approach to tasks.
Burnout phase
In this final stage, an emotional and cognitive breakdown can occur. In some cases, this can force the employee to leave their position, as there are also physical symptoms and a decline in health that are too significant to continue.
What can you do as a company to help?
The best approach is to start with a group strategy, raising awareness across your entire fleet of drivers. It would be beneficial to begin offering wellness benefits and encouraging employees to prioritize their health. Companies must also take responsibility for addressing burnout. Here are three strategies that Uber has already implemented effectively.
-
Communicating expectations to employees from the outset is crucial, as Gallup believes that a lack of information is a major cause of burnout. As a manager, set realistic goals, not only for the service itself but also for the fleet as a whole. If employees don't understand their roles or the company's processes, it often has repercussions.
-
Create opportunities to form meaningful connections
-
Promote camaraderie to counteract this problem. Psychology specialists affirm that coworkers “provide essential emotional support for employees who are struggling,” as they can understand the stress of daily activities better than those in higher positions.
-
Interact with employees as often as your role allows. It's proven that having friendly faces in leadership positions who interact with employees helps maintain a harmonious work environment.
Mental health as a priority
Whether you're thinking about your employees' well-being or the bottom line, mental health is essential. It's better to raise awareness and prevent issues than to lose your drivers because they can't perform their duties. Not to mention the potential accidents or disputes you avoid in your office. Keep burnout at bay and create a healthy work environment now that you know more with our tips.
