One of April’s themes is Stress Awareness. This theme struck home to me as a funeral service professional. I recall so many stressful moments and times in my life as a funeral director and business owner. The very first and most significant stressor came in April. On the 11^th day in 1987, my dad died when I was 30 years old. I was highly stressed. I did not know how to be an owner, manage people, or manage myself at the same time I was mourning my dad’s death. It was a difficult time for both me and our team at Baue’s. We managed through it somehow by supporting each other, taking deep breaths on days when it became overwhelming, and being sure we took time off when we felt we needed it most.

Are people in Funeral Service and the Deathcare Profession feeling stressed today? I believe many are, and it seems we're not giving them the support they need. We made it through the Pandemic, which was tough for our profession and others. Some employers and managers seem tired of hearing about burnout. Are they ignoring it, thinking it's been four years, and we should be over it by now? I still see burnout happening, and while we talk about it sometimes, what are we doing within our organizations to address it? Are we offering resources and programs for handling stress? We must prioritize both physical and mental well-being by bringing such programs into our workplaces. Some associations and speakers are offering programs, but I wonder how many in our profession are listening. Thanks to our friends at ASD, HERE is a link to the resources currently provided in our profession.

The demanding hours and the emotionally challenging situations we face may take a toll on our mental well-being. Unfortunately, many employers in our profession haven't designed schedules that prioritize a healthy work-life balance. I frequently hear about this from those I coach and read online, especially from younger generations who express feeling overwhelmed, stressed and burnt out. Are we listening?

Combatting the Great Resignation in your Company and Addressing Burnout with Your Staff: Tips and Tricks for the Workplace



Written by Kristen Ernst MA, LPC

KristenErnst@CHHCounseling.com

www.HopeandHealingCounseling.com

Monster is reporting that 95% of the workforce is considering a job change. Many are contemplating a switch because of a lack of passion for their current role, or they are feeling stalled in their career. Others are facing a decline in morale, high burnout, and a lack of connection to peers in the workplace, family, and friends. There are many reasons for the great resignation, and companies have a responsibility to retain their greatest assets: their talent.

So how do companies retain their people? Owners and managers need to offer opportunities for growth and development. Create trainings that empower staff and engage them to grow as a team and individually. Foster a culture that promotes connection with each other. Team building experiences and opportunities to appreciate the staff with a luncheon, or a random food truck can be a way to create comradery and cohesiveness. Encourage staff to find balance and harmony in their lives outside of the workplace. Create a safe place for employees to speak their truth and feel validated. Employees want to feel that their managers care about them.

Companies can create a motivating and supportive culture, but individuals also have a responsibility to prevent burnout. In March of 2020, alcohol sales spiked to record numbers. And streaming services increased exponentially. These statistics prove that many use these substances to numb feelings of anxiety, depression, and/or sadness. Instead of numbing, look at yourself with intention. Instead of trying so hard to become your “best self,” work on becoming your “favorite self.” Challenge thoughts of perfectionism and cultivate self-compassion. You survived this horrific time in the pandemic, so be kind to yourself and others. Create downtime at home, allow yourself to rest, and eat intuitively.

Creating a supportive culture that fosters growth and encourages your staff to find fulfillment in the balance and harmony of their lives will retain employees and prevent burnout amongst staff. People are no longer competing for jobs; companies are competing for talent. Creating a culture of support, encouragement, and fulfillment will attract talent that strives for balance, and therefore, you will retain your talented people that make your business thrive.  

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