Burnout is a Serious Problem for Business Owners: Here is How to Combat it

To say that the last few years have been difficult for business owners is to put it very lightly. Business owners have had to contest with record inflation, supply chain issues, worker shortages, and ever-changing customer needs. It comes as no surprise then that a significant number of small business owners are suffering from burnout. One national survey found that just under half of business owners have experienced burnout in the last month.

Burnout refers to a general feeling of exhaustion caused by chronic work-related stress. It often leads to reduced productivity, irritability, and feelings of hopelessness and cynicism. For many, the symptoms of burnout are not just unpleasant, they can be downright dangerous. The Mayo Clinic explains that chronic work burnout is associated with insomnia, heart disease, high blood pressure, and even substance abuse.

If you are suffering from burnout, it is important to take the situation seriously and prioritize your health. For many business owners, delegating tasks to others, seeking support from professionals, and finding better ways to cope with stress are potential remedies to burnout.

Look for Tasks You Can Automate or Delegate

With the advent of artificial intelligence, there are more ways than ever to automate routine tasks. Setting up the automation may take some time upfront, but the return on investment for that time will be worth it. Have you looked into automating things like invoicing and payroll? What about social media marketing?

Many business owners take on way too many responsibilities that could be delegated to others. Are you setting up your own appointments? Who is handling data entry tasks? What about mindless activities such as envelope stuffing or grabbing morning coffees? See if you can start to relieve the burden by delegating these tasks to others.

Get the Support You Need

Uncertainty and anxiety only exacerbate burnout. Many business owners fail to recognize the toll that taking on unfamiliar, complex tasks can have on them. If you are suffering from burnout, it may be time to look into working with professionals such as CPAs, marketing professionals, and lawyers.

One useful option for business owners struggling to manage compliance issues, employment concerns, and other legal matters is outsourced general counsel. Outsourced general counsel is a useful option for businesses that are too small to justify a full-time lawyer but still require legal support. You may be surprised by how much more productive and efficient you become once these complicated legal matters are taken off your plate.

Find Ways to Reduce Stress Throughout the Workday

There may be no way to completely eliminate stress. However, there are some scientifically proven ways to handle stress more efficiently. Studies show that even 5 or 10 minutes of meditation can reduce anxiety and negative thinking patterns. A study from Harvard also found that spending 20 minutes in nature was shown to reduce the stress hormone cortisol and promote mental well-being. The exact type of stress-busting techniques you should employ will depend on your unique personality and needs. The main goal is to start prioritizing your emotional and mental health so that you can be the best business owner possible.

Contact our Naperville Business Law Attorneys

The Gierach Law Firm offers skilled legal support to small and medium-sized businesses throughout Illinois. Our outsourced general counsel program allows business owners to benefit from professional legal support without committing to a full-time, in-house lawyer. If you are interested in learning more about our services, call our Naperville business attorneys today at 630-228-9413 for a consultation.

 Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/burnout/art-20046642

https://www.forbes.com/sites/edwardsegal/2022/05/04/how-burnout-and-inflation-continue-to-impact-small-business-owners/

https://www.apa.org/topics/mindfulness/meditation

https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/a-20-minute-nature-break-relieves-stress