Inside this issue…

- 13 signs your workers are burnt out!

- Don’t let your employee become another Elias

Dear reader,

A happy new year to you! I hope your holiday was full of festive cheer, and you and your workforce are ready to hit the ground running.

While I realise we’re only in the first two weeks of January, it’s never too early in the year to prepare, which is why I’m bringing you the 13 signs your workers will show when suffering from burnout.

Increased stress and fatigue significantly decrease proper health and safety awareness in the workplace, so take note! Circulate this list amongst your employees so they’re also aware of when they, or a colleague, might be displaying symptoms:

1. Chronic fatigue (exhaustion, tiredness, a sense of being physically rundown)
2. Anger at those making demands
3. Self-criticism for putting up with the demands
4. Cynicism, negativity and irritability
5. A sense of being besieged, or overwhelmed
6. Exploding easily at seemingly inconsequential matters
7. Frequent headaches and gastrointestinal ills
8. Weight loss or gain
9. Sleeplessness and depression
10. Shortness of breath
11. Suspiciousness
12. Feelings of helplessness
13. Increased degree of risk taking

Once you’ve identified these signs, you must implement actions to fight burnout. On the 27th, I’ll bring you the seven steps to combat stress and burn-out in your workplace.

Don’t let your employee become another Elias

Did you see the article on IOL.co.za yesterday? Yet another worker fell to his death at a construction site over the weekend. Eye-witnesses are unclear as to what exactly happened, but they all agreed that Elias Titosse seemed to fall in mere seconds.

I can’t stress enough the importance of you and your employees knowing fundamental health and safety rules for compliance.

Stay safe. I’ll see you on the 27th.

Nadia Pisanti