Leaders Revising Approach to Employee Well-Being and Burnout Predicament
Embrace a fresh perspective on addressing burnout in the workplace - a problem that's left 71% of employees frazzled in 2020. Patagonia's founder, Yvon Chouinard, serves as a commendable role model with his innovative, employee-centric approach to burnout.
At Patagonia, employees are encouraged to enjoy hobbies and pursue passions outside of work, all while maintaining a dedicated and productive work ethic. Embracing the philosophy "Let My People Go Surfing," the company permits flexibility in work hours, as long as overall productivity isn't compromised.
Whether employees need to catch a good swell, explore bouldering, or spend time with family, Patagonia supports their team members in living life to the fullest - and workers couldn't be any more enthusiastic about it! Similar practices have been established at Gardenuity, which grants its employees "Grow Well Days" off to recharge and engage in activities of their choosing.
With more flexibility and less stringent work requirements, employees feel valued and motivated to return to work. Gardenuity also fosters employee growth through sharing experiences gained during their days off. Imagine a business culture where employees leap at the chance to get back to work, eager to tackle tasks and make contributions.
Some might argue that limitations on extended vacation periods or no-meeting days aren't an adequate antidote to this exhaustion, but Chouinard's philosophy provides a solid foundation to heed and adapt to meet various business scenarios. Implementing creative solutions like allowing employees more autonomy and fostering a healthier work-life balance could bring about a seismic shift in the corporate landscape.
Burnout has become a critical issue, defined by the National Academy of Medicine as high emotional exhaustion, high depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment from work. Portugal took decisive steps by banning after-hours work emails, acknowledging that employees require boundaries to effectively manage their time and well-being. While this law isn't likely to spread across many countries, it's an inspiring example of the potential for corporate culture change.
Leaders have the power to significantly impact workers' well-being by setting an example of Work-Life Balance, curbing cynicism, and championing the values of a healthy lifestyle both in and outside the workplace. By being more flexible and promoting self-care, leaders can create a more engaged and motivated workforce.
Self-care entails a plethora of activities such as taking a walk, attending a yoga class, socializing with friends, or spending time on a hobby. By prioritizing self-care not as selfish, but as essential, employees can live more fulfilling lives. The analogy of a hose with a knot clogging the water flow illustrates the importance of personal care for the sake of others and the planet.
Wonderkind Co., a past employer of the article's author, implemented "Stop Working" incentives like team potlucks, boat excursions, fitness classes, and culinary experiences to minimize burnout and boost employee morale. These moments of reprieve served as reminders to teams that they were appreciated and reminded everyone that work could be accomplished efficiently, even when taking a short break for self-care.
By adopting Chouinard's "Let My People Go Surfing" approach, a more holistic work culture can be cultivated in which employees have the freedom to live their lives and return to work refreshed, creative, and highly motivated to produce outstanding results. Burnout and its detrimental effects on employees' well-being and the planet can be combated through caring for ourselves first, so we are better equipped to care for others.
- Embracing the philosophies of companies like Patagonia and Gardenuity, which prioritize employee wellness and mental health, could lead to a more productive workplace, as employees are encouraged to engage in education, self-development, and personal growth activities.
- Implementing workplace-wellness programs that foster personal growth, such as granting "Grow Well Days" off, can result in employees feeling valued and motivated, leading them to enthusiastically return to work and contribute to the success of the company.
- Science supports the notion that promoting a healthy work-life balance and allowing employees more autonomy can lead to better mental health and overall wellness, benefiting both employees and the company.
- A holistic approach to work culture, as exemplified by Patagonia's philosophy of "Let My People Go Surfing," can combat burnout and its detrimental effects on well-being by allowing employees to maintain a work ethic while also pursuing their passions and hobbies outside of work.
