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Key points
- People who have to manage others at work are often under high pressure that can affect them psychologically.
- A combination of unrealistic demands and lack of support can increase the likelihood of burnout.
- Fortunately, there are ways to prevent burnout or manage the symptoms to protect the whole team's well-being.
Being a manager comes with a set of unique challenges and responsibilities. While the role can be rewarding and fulfilling, it also carries the risk of burnout. As a manager, you are often tasked with juggling multiple responsibilities, handling difficult situations, and leading your team to success. This juggle, along with other factors, is what makes managers even more susceptible to burnout.
According to research conducted by Gallup, burnout among managers is a prevalent issue in today’s workplaces. Their study found that managers are at a higher risk of burnout compared to individual contributors. This is particularly problematic when you consider that successful businesses depend on effective managers. In fact, our 2023 research showed that the number one thing that women say they need to thrive at work is support from their manager, with 84 percent deeming it essential. Yet when a manager is burnt out, their ability to offer that support to their team is severely limited. It’s, therefore, essential to look at ways that we can support managers and reduce their risk of burnout.
In this article, we go through four factors that contribute to management burnout, as well as five strategies you can use to prevent it or manage the symptoms on your road to recovery.
Understanding Management Burnout
Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It is characterized by feelings of cynicism, detachment, and a sense of being overwhelmed. As a manager, your risk of burnout is often amplified due to the high-pressure nature of your role.
4 Factors Contributing to Management Burnout
- Workload: Managers often have heavy workloads that include overseeing projects, handling employee issues, attending meetings, and managing deadlines. The sheer volume of responsibilities can lead to chronic stress and burnout.
- Emotional Demands: Dealing with a diverse range of personalities, conflicts, and emotions within a team can be emotionally draining. Managers are often responsible for resolving conflicts, providing support, and maintaining a positive work environment.
- Lack of Support: Insufficient resources, inadequate training, and a lack of support from higher management can leave managers feeling overwhelmed and unsupported in their roles. This can contribute to burnout over time.
- Unrealistic Expectations: Managers may face pressure to meet unrealistic targets and deadlines. Striving for continuous success without considering the impact on their well-being can lead to burnout.
5 Strategies to Prevent and Manage the Symptoms of Burnout
- Delegate and Empower: Recognize that you don’t have to do everything on your own. Delegate tasks to capable team members and empower them to take ownership. This not only reduces your workload but also helps in developing your team members’ skills and confidence. See my article “How to Deal With Overwhelm” for some helpful tips.
- Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Avoid constantly checking emails or taking work-related calls during your off-hours. Allow yourself to disconnect and recharge outside of work.
- Seek Support: Reach out for support from mentors, peers, or a professional coach who can provide guidance and help you navigate challenges. Sharing your concerns and experiences with others can alleviate stress and provide fresh perspectives.
- Prioritize Self-Care: Make self-care a priority by setting aside time for activities that recharge you. This can include exercise, hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or simply taking breaks throughout the day to relax and rejuvenate. The Intentional Well-Being Module of our Women Rising program encourages women to build up their restoration toolkit. This is just one helpful way to prioritize your self-care and well-being.
- Foster a Supportive Work Environment: Encourage open communication, teamwork, and employee well-being within your team. By creating a positive work culture, you can reduce stress levels and foster a sense of belonging and support.
Remember, your health and well-being aren’t worth compromising for the sake of your role as a manager. You deserve the time and energy to invest in yourself and get the support you need.
