In this article:
How big is the problem, really?Stress vs. burnoutYou're more likely to burn(out) in summerSo what can workplaces do to prevent burnout?Recognise nutrition as the foundation to health and wellbeingTake something off the to do listMeet our Workplace Partners!Wellness from your deskOptimise workplace ergonomicsWork out at workTeam effortHere's an idea…To discuss how Social Pantry can cater your workplace or upcoming event, talk to our team today!How workplaces can prevent employee burnout and fuel success
Employee burnout is a modern occupational phenomenon sweeping through the global workplace. Symptoms such as exhaustion, disconnectedness, reduced professional productivity and high employee turnover are big red flags to watch out for.
How big is the problem, really?
A recent Gallup study of nearly 7,500 full-time employees found that 23% reported feeling burned out at work very often or always. An additional 44% reported feeling burned out sometimes. In total, roughly two-thirds of full-time workers experience burnout in their role. What’s more, over 1/3 workers state their organizations have nothing in place to prevent burnout culture. Even though burnout has major implications for company success, as well as employee wellbeing.
Stress vs. burnout
Job-related stress contributes to 550 million workdays lost annually. The WHO estimates that $1 trillion is lost in productivity each year as a result. Whilst some degree of work-related stress is normal and inevitable – even desirable! (read more here!) – burnout is the accumulation of excessive, prolonged, unchecked stress. Burnout can, and should, be avoided and prevented at all costs! If burnout is the bigger, more serious, endpoint to stress, the measures to required to prevent it are bigger, broader, more foundational. And they need to be implemented over the long-term.
You’re more likely to burn(out) in summer
Burnout can take hold any time of year. However during the summer months, many people begin to experience the build-up of stress, tiredness and sub-optimal work conditions and lifestyle factors that have accrued since the start of the year. Employees in a position to take a summer holiday may have noticed a deterioration in wellbeing and performance, and feel themselves heading towards burnout. However attempt to “hold on by a thread”, telling themselves to “just hang in there” until they can finally ‘stop’. They hope a short break will act as a ‘reset’ and the signs of burnout culture at work will have disappeared by the time they return. However, it’s often once someone stops that they realise just how tired they really are. It’s once they have had the chance to reflect on the status quo, or return from holiday still feeling exhausted and disengaged, that burnout truly sets in.
So what can workplaces do to prevent burnout?
The overarching message is that companies need to invest in physical and mental health. There are myriad ways workplaces can do this in the immediate and for the long-term. Start by considering the different dimensions to health and self-care. From what you eat and drink, to how you sit and move. How work impacts your sleep and social life, to what resources and support are available if you’re struggling.
Recognise nutrition as the foundation to health and wellbeing
Ensuring workplace catering is nutritious and makes it easy for people to eat well at work is one of the best investments you can make in employee wellbeing. It has both short-term and long-term effects. And, as we like to say at Social Pantry, good workplace food impacts business far beyond the lunchbreak. Our fresh, seasonal, plant-rich approach to food results in a naturally nutrient-dense and varied menu of tempting dishes. Colourful, thoughtful presentation and a range of exciting options encourages people to eat more of the good stuff. There are immediate benefits of steady energy levels and improved concentration. Plus long-term benefits of improved immunity and less illness.
Take something off the to do list
People feel and perform their best when they spend their time doing tasks they enjoy and play to their strengths. Feeling overloaded with tasks that take time and energy away from someone’s core job and purpose can contribute to burnout. And chances are the person in charge for sorting out your workplace catering didn’t sign up for that role specifically. However here at Social Pantry, we have plenty of people who did!
Meet our Workplace Partners!
Even the most food-loving member of your team is probably most interested in choosing what they want to eat rather than handling all the logistics that go along with it. So our Workplace Partners are your single point of contact who will take care of all the admin for you. Managing supply chains, dealing with third parties, ensuring every dietary requirement and preference is catered for, and handling the financial side of things too. They put suggestions on the table and bring your ideas to life. Only a quick message or call away, they’re your single point of contact, handling everything and everyone involved. We believe in putting good food on the table and taking tasks off your to-do list. Catering to what you care about, making workplace food work for you, and feeding a wider company culture.
Wellness from your desk
Our recent Wellness in The Workplace event at LandmarkSpace included a desk yoga workshop from The Yeh Yoga Co. They are one of the most innovative providers of virtual and on-site yoga, fitness and corporate wellbeing experiences in the workplace. Yoga and other wellbeing activities have been found to help reduce staff turnover, increase employees’ focus, productivity and happiness. All while also breaking down inter-departmental barriers and creating a community, overall improving employee loyalty. Desk yoga flows on as a natural extension of a more ergonomically optimal desk set up. Be ready to feel the difference!
Optimise workplace ergonomics
Ergonomics is an area often overlooked. However, did you know ergonomic injuries account for up to 30% of days off work? By providing your team with ergonomic tools such as ergonomic chairs, laptop stands, standing desks, and a proper table to eat at, you minimise the risk of injury and maximise the benefits of correct posture. These include less pain or stiffness, better circulation and digestion. They make time at work – whether spent working or during downtime such as a lunchbreak – an all-round healthier and more comfortable experience.
Work out at work
One of the most commonly cited reasons as to why employees might prefer to work from home is the ability to incorporate fitness into their day. Many employees see maintaining fitness as integral to their health and happiness. However up to 46% of people feel their work is a barrier to working out. Social Pantry can assist companies in developing their wellbeing programmes, with ideas such as “Run & Refuel” – a weekly social run club followed by a nutritious and delicious breakfast by Social Pantry to help employees get their day off to a great start. We’ll have pots of Orange & Cinnamon Bircher Muesli with Almond Butter, or Roased Sweet Potato, Crispy Bacon. Crumbled Feta & Preserved Lemon Salsa Verde waiting for you. Plus protein packed snacks in the office pantry to combat ‘runger’!
Team effort
Team wide employer supported volunteering can double up as a team-building activity and away day. A “Give Back Day”! Providing a change of scenery and new opportunity for employers to connect with each other and the company’s values – increasing their investment and engagement in the long-run. Social Pantry is uniquely positioned to work with the Culture Builder on your team to plan a Give Back Day that will make a big difference. To your company, employees and the community. As a socially minded business with a comprehensive social and environmental sustainability programme, Social Pantry has a wealth of experience and contacts within sustainability and philanthropic spheres. Plus our event planners are seasoned pros at planning corporate events with impact.
Here’s an idea…
How about organising a company-wide Beach Clean that combines a day of sun, sand and sea with important environmental action? (Social Pantry did one in 2022!) We can provide you with gourmet picnic hampers and artisan sandwich platters. Elevated takes on quintessential delights such as our showstopper BLT (Crispy Bacon, Beef Tomato, Romaine Lettuce and Mayo in a Ciabatta Bap), Somerset Brie & Cranberry Baguette. Or Breaded Chicken Thigh, Parmesan, Basil Pesto & Beef Tomato in Focaccia. Alternatively, Social Pantry can pitch luxury food stations in the sand. Think Fresh Oysters (Maldon Rock, Whitstable or Guernsey Oysters with all the trimmings) on ice. Or a Smoked, Cured Fish and Live Blini Station. For a fresh twist on seaside classics, enjoy Crayfish and Crab Brioche Rolls with Siracha Mayo and Chives. Or Hereford Beef Brioche Sliders with Little Gem, Pickles and Truffle Mayo. Nothing soothes the soul like a day by the ocean. Combine with an unforgettable team outing and chance to give back, and you have a guaranteed burnout measure and remedy!
