Often, when we think of team burnout, we think about a team member being overworked and overwhelmed after being in a job for a certain time. 

What we don’t tend to think about is how to prevent this burnout before someone even starts a job!

Now, this might not make sense at first, but allow me to explain…

Before you even start thinking about hiring additional team members, you’ve got to make sure that there is enough space in your business to onboard them properly. Otherwise, you run the risk of burning them out before you even start (and we aren’t about that energy over here!) 

So many employees are often thrown in at the deep end, which although isn’t necessarily a bad thing, their productivity and how long they stay at the company have the potential to be impacted by how supported they feel when they start. 

Providing them with all the tools and knowledge they need to tackle all the tasks thrown their way is going to make them a lot more likely to succeed and produce better work (and be happier employees!).

My biggest tip to stop employee burnout before you even hire someone is to make sure your business is organized before hiring people to support you. 

How can you do this? Let me share my biggest tips!

Tip 1: Organize your files

This should be one of the first things you do before hiring anyone. It sounds simple, and maybe even a bit obvious, but it can make a huge difference!

You need to make sure that everything your new hire might need access to is easy for them to find. From any login details to client profiles, training videos, and everything in between!  These should be placed in a project management system and included in their onboarding checklist so they know they can refer back to it as much as needed. 

Tip 2: Create a video bank 

If you won’t have lots of time to guide each new team member through the first few weeks personally, try recording yourself explaining your processes and what they’ll be doing. 

This can be really handy for your new hire and save you lots of time having to explain the same procedures, tools, and processes over and over again!

Again, like with the files, I would strongly recommend adding the video bank into a project management system. In my click-up, I have a section specifically dedicated to training videos. It’s organized by department and by tools so it’s really easy for any of my team to find whenever they need help.  

Tip 3: Hire before you’re ready

Hiring before you’re ready (if possible) is one of the best things you can do. 

This gives you more time to get the staff member up to speed rather than throwing them headfirst into the deep end! 

It gives them time to understand what’s expected of them, the job role, how your team operates, and to learn everything they need to. 

Tip 4: Standardize everything (well as much as makes sense in your biz)

This is a big one that can not only save your team from burnout but also save you a lot of time.  

Making sure you have standardized ways of doing things in your business to prevent inconsistency is super important.  

The best way to do this? Create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for everyone to follow! 

If you need a hand doing this, or have SOPs in place but don’t have them down on paper (or want someone else to get them down on paper for you), check out the blog I have which explains exactly how to create an SOP, it might come in handy! I also have a SOP bundle I provide as a service so email me at info@themotivatedco.soulbusinessdesign.com  if you want a DFY approach. 

Tip 5: Create an onboarding system

Creating an onboarding system can really help a new employee. 

It doesn’t have to be incredibly elaborate though! Even if i’s just a checklist of what they need access to, what their expectations are going to be, and what your mission, vision, and values of the company are, it will help.  

You could also build in a training plan so they know how best to work through everything to utilize their time.

Just be aware of the amount of training you are giving your team member and be realistic with the timeframe they need to complete it! 

Tip 6: Speak to the team you already have

My final tip is to speak to the team you already have. 

Ask them what helped them when you hired them or what support they wish they had when they were brought on! 

Use the information you already have in front of you to inform how you hire in the future. It’s valuable so make sure you utilize it!

So trust me when I say it’s worth taking the time to get everything organized, standardized, and in place before hiring…it will save you so much time in the long run! You’ll be able to hire with confidence, prevent burnout and generally improve the efficiency of your team! 

And if you need more advice, feel free to get in touch as I’d love to chat!