Chronic stress is the main cause of employee burnout. Ongoing exposure to high levels of stress typically results in feeling tired, lacking motivation, and not wanting to work.
If left untreated, chronic stress can lead to physical and mental health concerns. Examples include headaches, stomachaches, anxiety, and depression.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid becoming burnt out. The following suggestions can help.
Implement these tips to help prevent burnout from your manufacturing job.
Maintain Work-Life Balance
Talk with your manager about your need for flexibility to fit in your personal and professional responsibilities each week. This helps decrease your stress level.
You may want to suggest any of the following options:
- Trading shifts for a few weeks to handle temporary personal needs. For instance, you may need to be with your children because of daycare closures or school vacations.
- Regularly changing shifts to take on new opportunities for career advancement.
- Moving to a different shift to better accommodate your personal needs. For instance, you may need to regularly attend doctor appointments to care for a health issue.
- Asking to work four 10-hour days each week rather than five 8-hour days.
Participate in Employee Assistance Programs
Use the services provided by any employee assistance programs (EAPs) your company may offer. These services can provide support and problem-solving methods for issues that affect a significant number of employees.
EAPs may provide services in any of the following areas:
- Relationship or family issues
- Mental or other health issues
- Substance abuse
- Financial issues
- Bereavement
- Work-life balance issues
- Other work issues
Take All of Your Vacation Time
Using all of your vacation days helps you relax and decompress. You should come back to work refreshed.
Other benefits include the following:
- Reduced stress
- Increased productivity
- Renewed focus
- Greater energy
- Elevated creativity
- Faster reaction time
- Improved performance
- Better sleep
Move Forward in Your Career Path
Continue to advance in your manufacturing career. Knowing you’re reaching your professional goals helps keep you motivated, engaged, and productive.
The following tips can help:
- Gain the required knowledge, skills, and experience through higher education, training, and development opportunities.
- Go above and beyond in your current job to add more value to the organization.
- Continue to elevate your performance.
- Network with manufacturing professionals at all levels inside and outside your company.
Is It Time to Find a New Job?
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