Burnout Happens in Silence: Why Communication and Personalized Balance Matter More Than Ever

So many things contribute to a company’s success. Employee satisfaction and engagement are among them. Employees want to be seen and heard. You’ll gain more valuable and impactful feedback in regular, open one-on-ones than you will in an engagement survey conducted twice a year. That’s because you're speaking to them at an individual level. They’re not just a number or a statistic. While the solutions that come out of these conversations may benefit the broader organization, they directly serve the employee in terms of feedback, development, accommodations, and more. This is what it means to keep your finger on the pulse.

One of the leading contributors to employee engagement and satisfaction is work-life balance. Work-life balance is defined as finding equilibrium between professional responsibilities and personal pursuits—ensuring that neither dominates life at the expense of the other, and allowing for a fulfilling and sustainable existence. One would think this is obvious—but is it, really? The reality is that work-life balance looks different from person to person, and it may evolve as individuals grow in both their personal and professional lives.

Presumably, personal responsibilities increase with age—as do professional ones. What may have once been a relaxing vacation with family and friends, disconnected from the world, may now come with the added burden of staying connected: early morning meetings, one-on-ones you can’t miss, responding to emails before bed, or checking your phone when others are distracted—just in case there’s a fire to put out. You’re on vacation, but not really; not 100%.

To some, this is work-life balance—the literal definition: striking a balance between two worlds, fulfilling both personal and professional responsibilities. To others, this is exhausting—a direct road to stress and burnout.

The real problem arises when a leader who believes this is what work-life balance looks like (perhaps because it works for them) leads a team of individuals who feel they need to fully disconnect in order to reset. What are the consequences? Overworked, burnt-out employees—and/or leaders filled with resentment. Broken relationships in either direction. Decreased satisfaction. Higher turnover.

Communication is key to maintaining a healthy work-life balance—both being receptive to the ways people define balance, and having the ability to compromise. A company is made up of relationships, and like any successful relationship, communication is what helps it thrive.

Another important point: work-life balance looks different for everyone. Vacation is not the only form of balance, though some may think so. It can mean the flexibility to work from home on occasion—whether to care for a sick pet or child, attend school events, go to doctor appointments, or be present for an ailing loved one. It could mean taking a mental health day to go fishing, see a movie, or get lost in a good book.

These are all valid examples of work-life balance. It may not be perfect—or even ideal—at times, but life doesn’t always happen when it’s convenient. Recognizing the value and impact of these moments can ultimately affect your bottom line. Employee satisfaction is paramount to retention, attracts top talent, and leads to dedication and commitment to the company’s success. (Because where else are they going to get this kind of environment?) It can even result in positive press and social media mentions—maybe your company gets featured in an article highlighting top workplace cultures.

Paying attention to your employees' needs, communicating often and effectively, and working together as the team you claim to be will set you apart—and set you up for success. The rest of that success? Well, that’s up to you, a competent HR professional, and the incredible people you’ve hired to help your business grow and thrive.