How can we use our strengths to fight burnout?
In today's global workforce, burnout is a significant concern affecting productivity and well-being. Not all coping strategies prove equally effective. Acknowledging the role of individual strengths can help tailor interventions for sustainable resilience and success.
Burnout affects 28% of workers "very often" or "always" according to Gallup. It's a challenge many face, with only 24% reporting they "rarely" or "never" feel burned out. To understand how individuals tackle burnout, Gallup examined over 3,000 employees in the CliftonStrengths / StrengthsFinder* database. They were asked about coping strategies, ranging from reframing stressors to seeking support from others.
Common approaches include reflecting on past experiences (85%), reinforcing belief in their ability to succeed (84%), or seeking social support (83%). Less common are avoidance tactics (32%), taking a vacation (45%), or spending time with family and friends (50%).
Effective coping mechanisms involve positive adjustment of mindset. Actions like affirming one's ability to succeed (42% reduction in burnout), reframing challenges positively (41% reduction), and finding positives in the current situation (34% reduction) are beneficial. Conversely, strategies involving avoidance or reduced self-confidence yield less effectiveness, with no reduction in burnout reported.
How can we use an strengths to fight burnout?
Understanding how employees cope with burnout reveals the unique strategies they rely on, often influenced by their strengths. Gallup categorizes the 34 CliftonStrengths into four main groups:
Executing: Individuals with these themes focus on making things happen. When facing burnout, they seek actions that provide a sense of accomplishment, such as quickly returning to work, exercising, or engaging in physical activity.
Influencing: These themes empower individuals to take charge and make an impact. When experiencing burnout, they turn to strategies that allow them to influence others or consider their future goals, such as spending time with family or reflecting on their work's contribution to their aspirations.
Relationship Building: Individuals with these themes prioritize building strong connections within teams. When burned out, they often reframe their stress by considering others' perspectives or reflecting on how their work impacts people they interact with.
Strategic Thinking: These themes facilitate absorbing and analysing information for better decision-making. When facing burnout, strategic thinkers give themselves space to reflect, often pausing to think through their situation or taking breaks to relax during the workday.
The effectiveness of these coping strategies varies, with some being more preferred than others despite their effectiveness. It's essential to reflect on your own approach to dealing with burnout and consider its effectiveness.
This graphic shows the most frequently used burnout coping strategies for individuals with different StrengthFinder profiles.
How can we reduce the risks of burnout in our team? What are the signs and symptoms of burnout in my different team members?
How do they use StrengthsFinder to help them manage the risk of burnout?
How can they use their strengths to support to reduce burnout?
*CliftonStrengths® and Strengths Finder are trademarks of Gallup.