
In high-pressure industries such as healthcare, emergency services, child protection, legal fields, and vulnerable customer service, stress can quickly escalate to burnout if not properly managed. Prevention is always quicker, cheaper and more sustainable than cure. That’s why we've put together five non-clinical strategies that can be put in place to help keep your team energised and engaged, no matter how demanding their roles may be.
1 Encourage regular breaks and physical activity
In high-stress environments, taking regular breaks is essential for maintaining productivity and mental clarity. Encourage your team to step away from their desks for a few minutes throughout the day; and most importantly, step away from their desks during their breaks like lunch. Something as simple as a walk around the block or a quick stretch can break the stress cycle and reset their focus. Consider implementing a “movement reminder” for the team, such as a 5-minute walking challenge, step challenge or scheduled stretching sessions.
2 Create a culture of open communication
A leading causes of burnout is a lack of communication where workers feel isolated and alone. People need to feel they can talk openly about their workload, mental health, and work-related stress without fear of repercussions. During your regular one-on-one check-ins with your team assess stress levels together, and address issues before they escalate. Provide workers with a de-identified feedback platform via monthly debrief groups.
3 Provide access to mental health resources
In industries that involve trauma, like healthcare or emergency services, employees can be at a heightened risk of vicarious trauma and stress. Access to professional mental health support will help you keep your staff well and keep them in your organisation. Offer programs that focus on mental resilience and emotional support, like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or workplace well-being initiatives. Set up monthly workshops focusing on mindfulness, stress management, or trauma support. Put in place preventative monthly group debriefs for staff, don’t wait for a critical incident.
4 Promote work-life balance
The expectation to constantly be “on” contributes significantly to burnout. Foster and role model (you need to do this too!) a work culture where employees feel supported to disconnect after hours and recharge. Flexibility in work schedules can help, especially for those with caregiving responsibilities or other personal obligations. Introduce flexible working arrangements, such as remote work options or flex-time. Make sure employees take their annual leave to fully disconnect and recharge.
5 Create peer support networks
Social support in the workplace is a powerful buffer against burnout and vicarious trauma. Establishing peer support groups allows employees to share their experiences, vent frustrations, and offer each other emotional support. Training employees to facilitate these groups increases your orgs internal capacity and gives people more reason for engagement. Peer support groups can help remove feelings of isolation and make stressful work environments more manageable. In these groups workers can share coping strategies and discuss their work-related challenges. This reduces their feeling of isolation which is such a risk for stress becoming burnout and vicarious trauma.
You’re juggling a lot, and so are your teams. By implementing these practical strategies, you can lighten your load and create a supportive, balanced work environment that prioritises mental health and productivity. Preventing burnout doesn’t have to be complex—these straightforward actions will help your team thrive, even in the most demanding industries in Australia.
For more tips on workplace well-being or support for developing burnout prevention strategies, feel free to ask questions at Workplace Health Center. Let’s keep your team healthy, energised, and engaged!
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