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Have you ever spoken to a colleague or friend who’s taking leave, not because they’re looking forward to a holiday, but because they’re completely drained from juggling too many roles?
They’re not alone. Many employees, particularly in high-pressure roles like sales or customer-facing positions, are experiencing burnout and stress due to blurred role boundaries and unrealistic expectations.
This phenomenon is more common than we might think, and it's known as leaveism—when employees use their leave to hide burnout or work during their leave to keep up with job demands. In fact, research shows that around 40% of employees have used annual leave to take a break from high workloads or stress, rather than for genuine rest and recovery.
Understanding Leaveism and Role Creep in the Workplace
Leaveism often occurs when employees feel overwhelmed by their workload or are taking on responsibilities outside of their defined role—also known as role creep. This happens when employees are asked to do tasks that don’t align with their job descriptions, leading to increased stress, lower productivity, and reduced job satisfaction.
Take, for example, a friend of mine who works in sales. Recently, they took a week’s leave, not for a holiday, but because they felt completely burnt out. They had been asked to take on additional responsibilities, such as chasing up payments for their own clients—a task that traditionally falls within the finance department. While they wanted to be a team player, these extra duties led to feelings of frustration, stress, and ultimately, burnout.
Unfortunately, stories like this are becoming more common. The high-pressure demands, unrealistic expectations, and blurred boundaries between roles create a breeding ground for stress and mental health issues. And when employees finally take leave, it’s often used to recover from work, rather than to enjoy time away.
So, what can companies do to address these issues, and how can my results coaching programs provide support?
Holistic Wellness Programs: A Solution to Burnout and Role Creep
Using a combination of naturopathic knowledge and results coaching, I offer a unique approach to tackling the issues of burnout, role creep, and leaveism. Here’s how my skills can support your organisation:
1. Role Clarity and Boundary Setting Workshops:
Workshops focused on clarifying role expectations and setting boundaries help employees understand their primary responsibilities and gain the confidence to say ‘no’ when necessary. Using results coaching techniques like my TRACK method, employees can align their duties with their personal values and strengths, reducing the likelihood of taking on out-of-scope tasks.
2. Stress Management and Burnout Prevention Programs:
Integrating dynamic coaching tools like mindfulness, breathwork, and visualisation, I help employees develop coping mechanisms for managing stress before it escalates into burnout. For high-stress roles like sales, my programs include techniques for staying grounded and focused, even in high-pressure situations.
3. Value-Based Coaching for Engagement and Resilience:
Reconnecting employees with their core values helps them find purpose and meaning in their work. When employees feel connected to what they do, they’re less likely to feel the burden of burnout. My value-based coaching sessions help individuals identify and address any misalignments between their work and personal values.
4. Manager and Leadership Training:
Managers play a crucial role in preventing leaveism and burnout. My training programs equip managers with the skills to identify early signs of stress, engage in open conversations, and support their teams proactively. This approach fosters a more supportive culture where employees feel safe to speak up.
5. Ongoing “Burnout Buster” Check-Ins:
Regular check-ins with employees in high-pressure departments can create a safe space for them to share concerns and prevent small issues from escalating. These sessions use coaching techniques to explore current challenges, provide quick coaching tips, and reinforce the importance of taking genuine breaks.
The Business Case for Investing in Employee Well-being
The cost of burnout, role creep, and leaveism extends beyond just employee well-being—it impacts business performance and bottom lines. Studies show that burnout leads to lower productivity, increased absenteeism, and higher turnover rates. Investing in holistic wellness programs like mine can not only improve employee health but also boost engagement, productivity, and overall job satisfaction.
In fact, research indicates that for every dollar invested in workplace mental health programs, businesses can see up to $2.30 in return through improved productivity and reduced absenteeism. It’s not just about ticking a box for well-being; it’s a strategic investment in creating a thriving workplace culture.
Ready to Support Your Workforce Holistically? Let’s Talk!
By addressing the root causes of burnout, role creep, and leaveism, my holistic wellness programs offer a comprehensive solution that goes beyond standard well-being initiatives. Let’s work together to build a culture that values employee health, sets clear boundaries, and promotes resilience.
If your organisation is ready to create a healthier, more engaged workforce, reach out to discuss how we can tailor these programs to meet your specific needs.
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