Stress and burnout are the most common struggles for employees and a driving force of the current U.S. workplace mental health crisis. In recent years, burnout has emerged as one of the primary concerns among employees across various industries.

Burnout is a pressing concern for federal government agencies, with studies indicating high rates of burnout among employees. According to a comprehensive report by Gallup: 

  • 1 in 4 employees feel burned out “very often” or “always.” 
  • Unfair treatment, unmanageable workloads, unclear communication from managers, lack of manager support, and unreasonable time pressure were cited as contributing to burnout.

The consequences of burnout include: 

  • Lower engagement among managers and employees.
  • Lower productivity.
  • Increase in unplanned absences.  
  • Missed deadlines, delays, and negativity. 

 

Addressing Burnout in the Public Sector 

The good news is that effective interventions can be adopted to prevent and alleviate burnout. Employers can take the following steps: 

  1. Demonstrate that the organization supports employee well-being 

Quote from the 2023 Gallup Survey Results stated that: "Employees who strongly agree that their employer cares about their overall wellbeing are 3 times more engaged and 71% less likely to report experiencing burnout.”

    • Acentra Health partners with our clients to provide counselors in the workplace for convenient onsite support to help meet the needs of their employees. Employees and managers can receive quick and effective care.  
    • Support work-life balance through flexible scheduling and telework options. 
  2. Engage with your people
    • Keeping staff engaged typically starts with the manager. In fact, managers who regularly meet with their staff one-on-one for productive conversations provide their team with meaningful engagement in the form of recognition, opportunities, clarified expectations, and a forum for feedback.Quote from the 2023 Gallup Survey results stating that "Employees who strongly agree that they feel supported by their manager are 70% less likely to experience burnout.”
    • Acentra Health offers comprehensive solutions, including: 
      • Equipping managers with the tools they need to successfully engage their employees.  
      • Enhancing communication and transparency between managers and employees. 
      • Destigmatizing mental health by discussing it openly and positively.
      • Providing preventative training and resources to help employees avoid stress and build resilience. 
      • Connecting employees with in-the-moment support. 

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are a crucial resource, offering confidential counseling, connection with 24/7 access to mental health professionals, effective trainings, work/life support, and assistance to employees experiencing burnout or related mental health concerns. It is vital to choose the right provider for your agency’s needs. 

 

Assessing Burnout: A Mental Health Self-Reflection Tool for Employees

To help employees assess their risk of burnout, we’ve developed a simple eight question quiz: 

Self-Reflection Quiz for employees to utilize as a Mental Health Resource.

By incorporating mental health resources into the workplace, you are prioritizing the well-being of your staff and proactively addressing mental health concerns. This self-service quiz can serve as a valuable tool to empower employees to assess their well-being, seek appropriate support, and ultimately contribute to a healthier and more productive work environment. If your organization is looking for additional ways to foster a supportive environment, you may download and share the Self-Reflection Quiz with your workplace. 

 

Moving Forward 

Burnout poses a significant threat to the well-being and effectiveness of government employees. By acknowledging the unique challenges facing this workforce and implementing targeted interventions and support mechanisms, government agencies can foster a culture of resilience, engagement, and productivity. This will help in the long term by creating a supportive environment where individuals can thrive professionally, and personally.

 

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