Recognizing and Managing Employee Burnout

There is no doubt that burnout is real. The American Psychological Association defines burnout as “physical, emotional, or mental exhaustion, accompanied by decreased motivation, lowered performance, and negative attitudes towards oneself and others.” Handling employee burnout in a busy dental office is crucial for maintaining a healthy work environment and ensuring high-quality patient care. While dentistry is rewarding work, it can also be stressful and take a toll on you. From personal experience, I found myself researching and learning how I can help myself and my team members manage their burnout throughout the years. After many seminars, books, and advice from peers, I would like to pass along some strategies I have found helpful to address and prevent burnout among your team.

Recognize the Signs of Burnout

When team members are experiencing burnout, they will show some key signs and symptoms. Be observant of signs of burnout. While you or your team member may not want to admit feeling the signs, chances are the ones around you are noticing them. Some signs of burnout may include:

·       Decreased productivity

·       Increased absenteeism

·       Emotional exhaustion

·       Negative attitude

·       Feeling emotionally exhausted at the end of the day

·       Withdrawing from loved ones

·       Considering changing careers or quitting altogether

If you notice several of these signs, your team members are likely experiencing burnout. Regular check-ins with employees can help you identify issues early on.

Encourage Open Communication

Create an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their workload and stress levels. Encourage them to share their feelings and experiences without fear of judgment. When you feel heard and valued, you are more likely to contribute ideas and work together towards practice goals.

Assess Workload and Responsibilities

Review the distribution of tasks and responsibilities among staff. Ensure that workloads are manageable and consider redistributing tasks if certain team members are overwhelmed. This can help prevent feelings of being overburdened.

Promote Work-Life Balance

Encourage employees to establish and maintain a healthy work-life balance. This will look different from person to person. Here are a few essential actions to help:

·       Leave work at work

·       Establish communication with your team

·       Be intentional in your time off

·       Prioritize time management

·       Respect team members’ time off

Foster a Positive Work Environment

Cultivate a supportive and positive workplace culture and establish relationships with your team that count. Let them know you truly care. Recognize and celebrate achievements, both big and small, to boost morale. Encourage teamwork and camaraderie among staff members. A positive work culture isn’t just a perk; it’s a strategic asset that drives success.

Implement Regular Breaks

Encourage employees to take regular breaks throughout the day. Short breaks can help recharge energy levels, improve focus, and reduce stress. For some, this may look like taking your full lunch, getting outside the office, and taking a walk. Sometimes, you may need a longer period away from work to reset, use your vacation time, and come back refreshed

Encourage Professional Development

Support employees in pursuing continuing education and professional development opportunities. This can help them feel more engaged and motivated in their roles, reducing feelings of stagnation. Be the one to offer these professional developments and ask what your team may be interested in. By keeping your team informed and educated, you can provide superior care and meet the evolving needs of your patients.

Lead by Example

Model healthy behavior as a leader. Share your strategies for managing stress and maintaining balance. When employees see leadership prioritizing well-being, they are more likely to follow suit. Empower your team to look for ways to become better versions of themselves professionally and personally.

Provide Adequate Staffing

Ensure that your dental office is adequately staffed to handle the patient load. Overworking employees can lead to burnout, so consider hiring additional staff or utilizing temporary workers during peak times. Consider cross-training your team. With cross-training, your team will feel more valued, and patient care will remain a top priority.

Encourage Healthy Habits

Promote healthy habits in the workplace, such as exercise, proper nutrition, and stress-reduction techniques. Consider offering incentives for employees who participate in wellness initiatives.

Recognizing and managing employee burnout is important for a happy, healthy, cohesive team. I hope you will give some of these tried-and-true strategies a try to recognize and prevent burnout. Addressing employee burnout in a busy dental office requires proactive measures and a commitment to fostering a supportive work environment. By identifying the signs of burnout, encouraging open communication, promoting work-life balance, and providing necessary resources, you can help your team manage stress and maintain their well-being. A healthy and engaged team is essential for delivering exceptional patient care and ensuring the long-term success of your practice.