On Blue Monday, the “most depressing day of the year,” cold weather and the return to work gets people down. And with the continuation of the pandemic – frontline workers have even more reason to be feeling the January blues.
With absenteeism costing UK businesses £14 billion in 2020 alone, combatting fatigue is vital – especially for those managing frontline workers, where staff shortages due to sickness and burnout has employers in despair.
Steve Tonks, Senior Vice President – EMEA at WorkForce Software, offers his insights into what employers can do to prevent burnout and demotivation.
“Many deskless workers have entered 2022 feeling burnt-out and demotivated. From the pressures of the pandemic, to staffing shortages and the generally unsociable hours many frontline workers fulfilled over the festive period – it’s really no surprise they feel this way,” he says.
Managers should be recognizing their staff’s accomplishments from 2021 – especially the successes that serve as a foundation for reaching goals for 2022. By starting the year off as a team and aligning on clear goals, employers can create a renewed sense of purpose.
“Employers should also take this moment to renew their commitment to prioritising their staff’s health and wellbeing,” Tonks says. “Make sure hourly workers don’t burnout, by using intelligent fatigue management systems that monitor hours worked, tasks performed, breaks taken, and time off rostered.”
