INSIGHTS
RAD HR BY KELLY PRAY
MANAGEMENT: START WITH YOURSELF FIRST B urnout continues to permeate workplace environments. Across industries, over 50% of U.S. office workers say they are stressed at work on a daily basis – and that number is only increasing. In fact, the World Health Organization has declared burnout an “occupational phenomenon,” predicting it will become a global pandemic within the next 10 years. So, how can you as a leader best prepare staff for what seems to be inevitable? By starting with yourself first.
Burnout can exist when staff feel overworked, underappreciated and/or under-resourced. Signs of workplace burnout include exhaustion, low morale, anxiety, stress and lack of personal effectiveness. You may be feeling the effects of one or more of these signs right now – and research shows that more likely than not staff members are experiencing it too. It’s difficult to provide the necessary and appropriate support to those who are experiencing varying levels of 44
ICEMAGAZINE | MARCH 2020
burnout. It may seem near impossible when hoping to manage this through your own burnout as well. If you’re finding yourself overtired or disconnected – for the sake of both your health and your employees, it’s time to put yourself first. This may seem counterintuitive to those of us who aspire to be servant leaders, who put the needs of their staff before their own. It is important to understand that you can’t help your employees if you can’t first help yourself. When you fly on an airplane, the safety demonstration always instructs adults to put their oxygen mask on first before helping others. This is to best ensure the overall survival of everyone. Similarly, it is your imperative as a leader to best ensure the overall success of your organization. Not only will you leverage your abilities to best support your team, but you will set the example that personal health and well-being come first. So, where do you start? A low hanging fruit to putting your personal health first is to get enough sleep. Countless studies have shown the efficacy a good night’s sleep can have on one’s emoADVANCING THE IMAGING PROFESSIONAL
