Being able to recognize signs of burnout and proactively take steps to protect your development team is an important skill in leadership and a sign of a great manager. Employees in tech jobs are highly susceptible to experiencing burnout symptoms due to high production demands and the complexity of the work, so it’s important that everyone is aware of what burnout can look like, and how to address it when it does occur.

What Is Burnout?

Burnout can be loosely defined as exhaustion due to ongoing workplace stress. It causes physical, mental, and emotional symptoms that can drag down productivity and even increase your workers’ risk for long-term health problems.

When development teams experience burnout, projects can grind to a halt. Even basic tasks start to seem impossible, and missed deadlines only compound the problem, creating a snowball effect.

Signs of Burnout

If your software engineers are starting to experience burnout, you will recognize it if you know what to look for. Common signs include:

• Apathy
• Loss of interest in things that previously sparked joy
• Ineffective work performance
• Fatigue
• Cynicism
• Mood swings
• Disengagement
• Nonspecific physical complaints such as back trouble or headaches

Preventing Burnout

It would be nearly impossible to prevent every case of burnout among software engineers. They tend to be go-getters who throw themselves in projects, eagerly working long hours and burning the midnight oil. But you can dramatically reduce burnout in your organization by taking a few proactive steps:

• Model self-care behaviors such as leaving work on time and disconnecting during off hours
• Redefine roles to ensure an equitable balance of work and accountability
• Give regular feedback, focusing as much as possible on what people are doing right, and consider implementing a rewards program
• Provide flexibility, including remote work options and flexible scheduling
• Boost communication and offer a judgment-free zone in which employees can freely complain about any difficulties they’re experiencing
• Focus on teambuilding activities that help employees build bonds
• Encourage short work breaks throughout the day. Even a 10-minute walk with a colleague can help an overwhelmed employee rejuvenate

Build A Forward-Thinking Software Team With PEAK

If you are looking for talented software professionals who can help your organization achieve its goals, contact the experts at PEAK Technical Staffing today to learn how we can help you access cutting-edge talent.