New efficiency and methods of employee and client collaboration have become possible through technology. Additionally, the trend toward remote work is increasing. Although there are many advantages, there are always disadvantages as well: there is a higher chance of the employee becoming burnout. 

The Economist stated that COVID-19 reduced commute time and cut meetings by 15% on average. However, this adds work to the employees' day rather than giving them more time. The amount of time spent working each day has increased by two hours.

This could lead to your team producing more work output. This might sound fantastic during times like the tax season frenzy. Things won't be as perfect in the long run, though.

Stress at Work and Employee Burnout

When you mentioned stress, the negative is always the first thing you could think of but stress could sometimes be good. For instance, when you exercise enough you are putting yourself under enough stress that will make you strengthen you, just as long as it is not too much. 

At the same time in the work environment, for instance, you have projects that are challenging and force you to get out of your comfort zone and after you finish the project, you will surely feel fulfilled, aside from that you will learn and grow.

However, too much stress could lead to burnout. The World Health Organization defines burnout as an "occupational phenomenon" caused by continuous working stress that has not been effectively managed.

It can be defined by feelings of tiredness or depletion of energy, negativism toward your job, or decreasing effectiveness at work. If you think that you have a stress sign, better you immediately avoid something that can make you more stressed for everybody's sake because stress could spread out. To start with, think about how burnout can be avoided, it’s important that you know the stressors that can lead to burnout:

Insufficient Control: Employees want to feel that they have control over how they get things done. So, give them the chance to show their capabilities.

Insufficient Software: Doing and managing work manually is time-consuming and a hassle, so you should provide tools for your accountants like accounting workflow software which helps you to manage their workload. You should know the important features of accounting workflow software to make sure that the software will have a positive and good impact on your company.

Overload with Work: When employees believe their tasks will never be completed. So, give your employees tasks that they are only capable of.

No Rewards: Employees must believe that their employer appreciates what they do. Awards and performance incentives help maintain the interest of your accounting team.

Less Teamwork: When colleagues and managers don't encourage you, employees lose interest in their work. So always promote appreciation in your workplace.

Work Equality: If employees’ sense of unfairness, it will surely lead to burnout. So ensure that rewards and promotions are based on performance and supported by clear policies.

Business Goals: Without business goals, the employee will surely not know where their work is going, and this could lead to burnout. So, employees need to understand that the business has an objective and that their job has an impact.

Burnout in Remote Work

A few employees perform well when they work from home and some find it isolated. When scheduling check-in times with remote workers, managers should do it regularly. It's an ideal chance to speak with each other and exchange feedback.

Signs of Burnout

It's stressful to do accounting. Remember that although a certain level of stress might be healthy, burnout can result from too much stress. If you're feeling too much stress, keep a look out for these three signs:

Emotional Exhaustion: The feeling of exhausted energy from the responsibilities of the job. 

Low Esteem: Low self-esteem and motivation.

Depersonalization: Naive, cold, and insensitive attitude toward other people.

Stress Management to Prevent Burnout

Workplace stressors cannot be completely avoided, but they don't have any influence over you.

Create and stick to your break time routine: Make sure that when you’re on your break time stop working, because if you don’t, your mind might tell you just to continue working. It’s really important to give yourself some time to relax. 

Reframe: There are times when a project might seem to be harder than it is. Make a plan for accomplishing each phase and divide it down into smaller phases. In case you are unable to meet your deadlines, don't hesitate to request an extension. 

Delegate: It's simple to assume that you have to complete all of your work alone. Consult your manager and coworkers without hesitation if you need assistance.

Conclusion

Just because you’ve saved time on the commute by working from home, doesn’t mean you need to do extra work in your day. You are at risk of burnout if you do not manage your time and stressors.