^Many employees feel the shift to remote work has been a welcome change from the in-office routine despite the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19. In contrast, for others, the disadvantages of remote work became apparent as weeks turned into months and months into a year.

If you have access to the internet 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and don't need to commute, separating work and personal life can be challenging. Late night work and weekend work become more common. Our survey found that 77% of employees have experienced burnout. If staffing levels are cut, workloads increase and burnout quickly become a reality.

The good news is that it is preventable. Employee engagement through an employee wellness program is one important component. Employees that are engaged are happier and more productive. Greater resiliency benefits the organisation as well. However, effective tools and consistent efforts are required to keep staff engaged, reduce burnout, and guarantee that everyone is working toward the same goals.

Here are six strategies to help employees avoid burnout, increase employee engagement, and build resiliency.

Facilitate Better Communication

It is necessary to communicate with your employees to understand their perspectives, difficulties, and perceptions of the organisation and management. Assessments should not be restricted to once a year. More frequency and consistency are crucial in mixed work environments, where employees may feel like they are working in a vacuum. Employees should be able to communicate through all channels available to avoid mental health issues that may arise from isolation.

Small chat groups and meet-ups like virtual lunchrooms and happy hours, as well as one-on-one meetings centred on progress and goals, are all examples of communication touchstones. You can create connections through them, unwind, reduce loneliness, and spot other people who are struggling. But, again, this could help you intervene before things get worse.

"Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence." - Sheryl Sandberg

Allow Employees to Take Time Off.

In many organisations, downtime must be considered to meet demand. Although the redistribution of work may be complex, downtime cannot be ignored. Provide employees with the option of taking breaks, personal days, or vacations when necessary.

Your company's typical working hours should be clearly communicated to employees. In addition, they should be encouraged to turn off their phones and laptops when they are not working. Recognising that they have the right to separate work and personal life will encourage employees to do so. In order to motivate employees to do these things, you might want to introduce some employee wellness initiatives. 

Even short breaks throughout the day can help improve their mood and productivity. Make it clear to your team members that they should not check their emails while on vacation. Find someone to cover their position if it is essential. Upon their return, they will be well-rested and ready to work.

Make Collaboration Easier by Investing in Tools.

Retention requires high levels of engagement and communication. Employees don't quit their jobs because they're awful. They leave lousy managers behind them. Organisational goals are more likely to be achieved by employees who clearly understand their responsibilities and are supported in fulfilling them.

Using employee engagement and performance management technology can help to boost productivity, knowledge sharing, and cooperation. Engagement will close the gap by providing coaching and feedback to both in-office and remote employees, connecting individual and team objectives to the organisation's strategic priorities.

Concentrate on the “Why”

Burnout is typically caused by a gap between a person's values and tasks. Although you are worried and exhausted, you continue to work, forgetting the reasons you joined the company or job in the first place. There is a risk of harm from it. 

Creating a shared sense of why is a task for any leader must determine why we are motivated to complete the goal. As a leader, it is your responsibility to energise your team. Remember the purpose and why it is crucial for the business and your customers. People are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs if they share common beliefs and connections.

Commit to Mental Health and Empathy

There is increasing recognition that mental health is vital for individuals, groups, and society. Moreover, those their leaders support through empathy are more likely, to be honest and accurate. 

When companies build stronger relationships with their employees, employees report it improved mental and physical health by 23% and 17%, respectively. Companies that provide holistic support to their employees report an increase of 21% in high performers. Additionally, employees feel heard and validated, resulting in a more productive work environment and a happier mind body soul.

Prioritise Your Own Health.

Before you can help your team members manage their stress, you must work on your own. Consider how you can help your employees get what they need instead of hunkering down and focusing" on your task.  

The best start is by taking care of your physical and emotional health first; you need to take care of yourself. Get enough sleep at night, eat healthfully, exercise regularly, meditate, and find another person to vent to who isn't "your boss.". Taking care of oneself is more than a luxury; it is a necessity.

^As the month of March 2023 draws to a close, the tech industry is currently experiencing a storm of layoffs, leaving a trail of job losses and uncertainty in its wake.

But the impact is not limited to Tech companies, as the shockwaves of these layoffs will be felt across the industry and beyond. It is in such times of crisis that the importance of empathy in conducting layoffs cannot be overstated. 

Companies that prioritize the well-being of their employees and conduct layoffs with compassion and respect can minimize the negative impacts of these difficult decisions, both on the affected employees and on the company's reputation. 

By embracing the gentle art of farewells and adopting empathetic layoff practices, companies can navigate this challenging time while providing much-needed support to those who are leaving the organization.

The Negative Impacts of Unempathetic Layoffs

When companies conduct layoffs in an unempathetic manner, it can have a devastating impact on the employees who are losing their jobs, as well as those who remain. 

Unempathetic layoffs can cause psychological trauma, anxiety, and stress for the affected employees, who may feel betrayed and unsupported. The resulting sense of loss of identity and financial insecurity can lead to long-term negative effects on their mental and physical health.

Furthermore, unempathetic layoffs can also negatively impact the remaining employees. They may fear for their own job security and feel demoralized by the company's lack of compassion. The sudden loss of colleagues and friends can lead to a decrease in morale and productivity. 

These effects can also spread beyond the company, affecting the broader community and even the industry as a whole. Unempathetic layoffs can also severely damage the company's reputation, resulting in a loss of customer loyalty, a decline in brand trust, and decreased sales.

"Empathy is about finding echoes of another person in yourself." - Mohsin Hamid.

The Importance of Empathy in Layoffs

At the heart of any successful layoff is empathy. But what exactly is empathy, and why is it so important during layoffs? Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. 

In the context of layoffs, empathy means acknowledging and addressing the emotional impact that losing a job can have on employees. This includes recognizing the stress, fear, and uncertainty that employees may experience and providing support to help them through the transition.

The benefits of empathetic layoffs are numerous. Firstly, it helps to maintain a positive company culture by demonstrating that employees are valued and respected, even in the face of difficult decisions. 

Empathy can also foster a sense of trust and loyalty between the company and its remaining employees, who may be worried about their own job security in the wake of layoffs. In addition, empathetic layoffs can help to protect the company's reputation and reduce the risk of negative press or backlash from the public.

Therefore, it is essential for companies to prioritize empathy when conducting layoffs. By doing so, they can not only minimize the negative impacts of the layoff but also create a more supportive and positive work environment in the long run.

Preparing for Empathetic Layoffs

Layoffs are never easy, and preparing for them can be just as challenging. However, when done with empathy and care, companies can ease the transition for employees and help them navigate the job market during difficult times. Here are some important considerations for preparing for empathetic layoffs:

Communication with affected employees

Open and honest communication is key when preparing for layoffs. Employees should be informed about the impending layoffs as soon as possible and provided with clear and transparent reasons for the decision. Companies can also offer resources and support to help employees through the process, such as providing counseling services or financial advice.

Providing outplacement services

Outplacement services can be a valuable resource for laid-off employees, providing them with guidance and support as they search for new job opportunities. Companies can work with outplacement firms to provide services such as resume writing, interview preparation, and networking support.

Assisting with job searches

In addition to outplacement services, companies can assist with job searches by providing references, making introductions, and even hosting job fairs. Companies can also provide training and education opportunities for employees to help them acquire new skills and become more competitive in the job market.

By preparing for empathetic layoffs, companies can help their employees navigate the transition with as much support and care as possible. With open communication, resources and support, and a commitment to helping employees find new opportunities, companies can make a difficult situation a little bit easier for everyone involved.

Conducting Empathetic Layoffs

Choosing the right time and place

When it comes to conducting layoffs with empathy, the timing and location of the announcement can make a big difference. Ideally, companies should choose a time that allows affected employees to process the news without having to leave work immediately. 

Additionally, the location of the announcement should be private and conducive to a calm and respectful discussion.

Providing a clear explanation for the layoff

Transparency is key when conducting empathetic layoffs. It's essential to provide a clear explanation for the decision to lay off employees, along with any relevant details about severance packages, outplacement services, and other forms of support. This can help to alleviate confusion and uncertainty among the affected employees.

Being honest and transparent

Honesty is the best policy, even in the context of layoffs. Being upfront about the situation and the reasons behind the decision can help to establish trust and demonstrate empathy towards the employees. This can go a long way towards minimizing the negative impact of the layoff on the employees' well-being and morale.

Supporting Employees After Layoffs

Following the layoff, companies should maintain open lines of communication with the affected employees. This can include providing them with access to career coaching, resume building, and other job search resources. 

Additionally, companies can organize alumni groups or other networking opportunities to help former employees stay connected with the organization and with each other.

Providing support for remaining employees

It's important not to overlook the impact that layoffs can have on the remaining employees. To help employees cope with the stress and uncertainty that often accompany layoffs, companies must provide them with training and support to take on new responsibilities, as well as emotional support via corporate wellness programs. 

This can include counseling, team-building activities, or other initiatives designed to boost morale and promote a sense of camaraderie among the remaining employees.

Addressing negative impacts on the company's reputation

Finally, companies should take steps to address any negative impacts on the company's reputation that may have resulted from the layoffs. This can involve communicating openly and transparently with customers, partners, and other stakeholders about the reasons behind the decision and the steps being taken to support the affected employees. 

Companies can also consider public relations initiatives or other outreach efforts to help repair any damage that may have been done to the company's image.

Conclusion

While no one wants to conduct layoffs, they can be necessary in certain situations. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, companies can minimize the harm caused by layoffs and demonstrate their commitment to treating their employees with respect and compassion. 

It's also important to remember that layoffs are just one aspect of a company's broader culture and employee relations and that companies can take steps to prevent or mitigate the need for layoffs in the first place by prioritizing employee engagement, satisfaction, and growth.

As a corporate wellness company, The Wellness Tribe is committed to supporting the well-being of both employees and companies. If your organization is facing the difficult process of layoffs, we want to help. 

Our team of experienced wellness professionals can provide support, resources, and guidance to help employees navigate this challenging time with resilience and grace. 

Whether you need counseling services, stress-management tools, or team-building activities, we have the expertise and experience to help you and your employees thrive. 

Reach out to us today to learn more about how The Wellness Tribe can support your organization and its employees during this tough time.