Hot topic: workplace burnout

Posted on 1 July 2022
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Hot topic: workplace burnout

The topic of burn out at work can’t be ignored, especially as a new survey by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows just how we’re struggling as a nation. It found the number of people on long-term sick leave has leapt by nearly a fifth since before the pandemic, with 2.54 million working-age people too unwell to hold down a job.

These startling figures come after a 2021 YouGov survey for the Resolution Foundation found mental health was the most common pandemic-related reason people gave for not working, cited by more than half under-55s.

A burn out culture has been building for some time, with the property sector definitely not immune. In 2018, a survey found that estate agents were the UK’s most stressed professionals, with 86% saying they were either “stressed” or “very stressed” – ahead of broadcasters and police officers. More recently Viewber reported on a study by Nested, which confirmed that estate agents were regularly working evenings and weekends to meet the expectations of demanding clients.

What does burnout look like?

Professional burnout can manifest itself in many ways but common signs include a lack of motivation to come to work, poor concentration, difficulty in maintaining relationships and friendships, giving up hobbies and stopping socialising, feeling drained at the end of the working day and no longer taking pride in work standards.

Employees: ways to beat burnout in the workplace

  • Take your full quota of annual leave
  • Ensure you take your lunch break, using it to get away from your desk and out in the fresh air
  • Try to only work your contracted hours
  • Talk to your line manager about any stress you are experiencing
  • Take regular exercise
  • Prioritise self-care outside of work, such as meditation or mindfulness
  • Dare we suggest using trusted outsourced to save weekend working

Ideas for business owners

  • Introduce stress management and mind tools, such as Headspace
  • Allow staff to take an unscheduled ‘duvet day’ once a year
  • Introduce a package of work perks, which could include gym membership
  • Include employees when drawing up a work rota
  • Use Viewber’s services to reduce the number of hours staff have to work
  • Look into software, APIs and apps that automate mundane, admin tasks
  • Create a culture where emails and ‘phones are not answered outside of office hours
  • Appoint a St John Ambulance-trained Mental Health First Aider

How Viewber is helping to prevent workplace burnout

In 2021, Viewber became a signatory of the Mindful Employers Charter, which openly demonstrates our commitment to better mental health at work. We also abide by a Dignity at Work policy, designed to create a healthy, respectful, safe and enjoyable organisation in which to work.

We also have a St. John Ambulance-trained Mental Health First Aider, who can respond to the mental and physical health needs of anyone in the Viewber HQ team, and our employees have access to a 24/7 Employee Assistant Line.

Case study: Lucy Lafferty-Brown

Bournemouth-based solicitor, Lucy Lafferty-Brown, has created a mindfulness-led conveyancing service, called Zen Move, designed to remove unnecessary stress from the legal process of buying a house. Lucy’s service also provides free tools and exercises to help clients shift their headspace and approach their move as a positive step.

Lafferty-Brown, who is a partner at Chester & Co Solicitors, decided to launch Zen Move after seeing clients’ mental health suffer during a house move, due to high levels of stress.

Can we help?

Viewber can play a pivotal role in the prevention of workplace burnout. Our network is ready to work evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays – and step in when the workload is too heavy. Our services are flexible, with no minimum booking requirement, so dip in when your staff need a break. Contact us today to learn more about our accompanied viewing, property visit, enable access and digital asset services.

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