Want to combat burnout? Empower employees to volunteer

Research shows that three factors influence worker well-being: the demands of the job, the ability to make decisions, and social support. Work has dramatically changed in the last few years though, including where people work, the hours they work, how they interact with coworkers, and how they balance work and life. To be effective today, human resources and business leaders need to address the full range of environmental, social and governance (ESG) challenges organizations are facing. To attract and retain talent, organizations must provide attractive benefits, ensure a supportive environment and create and sustain a culture that makes employees feel connected and seen and is flexible. 

Hybrid work arrangements are providing many employees with more flexibility and freedom. In many cases, employees can choose the days they come into the office and the days they work from home. Putting this power into the employee's hands can lead to a better balance between work and life. Ultimately, it can result in greater employee satisfaction, which can advance both productivity and profitability. 

Read more: Boss burnout: Is the Great Resignation coming for the C-suite?

Yet, while there are many positives, there are still drawbacks to hybrid work. Without the physical commute to and from the office each day, employees may be working longer than usual, leading to burnout, which remains an ongoing concern across several industries. This is particularly notable in the software industry, where a global technology talent shortage and new digital requirements, spurred by the pandemic, are creating increased levels of stress among employees in some parts of the industry. In fact, in a survey of more than 2,400 professionals in the U.S., 41% said they are more burned out now than a year ago. Furthermore, technology workers were among those most likely to report a rise in burnout. 

There are ways business and human resources leaders can combat burnout, including reminding employees about the importance of time off, especially as the lines between life and work are increasingly blurred by hybrid work arrangements. At Datasite, for example, employees are encouraged to take their vacation. In addition, the company provides a flexible work environment that empowers employees to partner with their managers to step away from tasks when necessary — whether that's to exercise, run errands, or take care of other personal needs. 

Bringing employees together to do good
Providing opportunities for employees to leave the workspace to participate in team activities, such as volunteering, is another example of how companies can encourage employees to take time away from the average workday. Everyone knows that when you do good, you feel good. Many organizations offer a plethora of volunteer opportunities and companies can facilitate regional volunteer opportunities for employees to help local charities in their communities. For example, at Datasite, employees can not only give back to local organizations, such as Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Singapore, Trusted World in Dallas and People Serving People in Minneapolis, but also take this time to connect with their colleagues in-person while giving back. 

The benefits of volunteering 
With some research showing that many workers are feeling less connected to their companies, providing opportunities for teams to meet in person can also lead to happier and healthier workers and greater productivity. 

Yet there are also other benefits. Customers, stakeholders, and employees want to engage with companies and leaders that support sound ESG policies, including giving back to local communities. Additionally, volunteering can help reduce stress and provide a sense of meaning and appreciation, both given and received. Volunteering can also allow employees to broaden their skillset, which in turn can give them more confidence to perform well professionally.

Read more: Corporate volunteering programs shift gears to adapt to a virtual world

To support volunteering, business and human resources leaders can arrange an annual day of activities or provide employees with paid time off to volunteer on their own. Either way, the support can speak volumes about what you as a leader, or an organization, value. For example, at Datasite, the HR team not only participates in local volunteer events in Minneapolis but encourages the entire company to participate. Leaders on the HR team have also asked other leaders at Datasite to do the same, set an example, and inspire their teams to embrace the spirit of giving back. Earlier this year, Datasite employees were also surveyed for input on the causes and organizations about which they most care to shape future initiatives.

As leaders and organizations begin the planning process for this new year, and especially in this moment of historic and unprecedented change, volunteering and corporate engagement should be an area to consider for those who want to be sustainable and resilient.