225+
5 reviews
MikeMike
16:04 13 Mar 23
Highly recommended! Josh and Sarah have been fantastic at Astute. They've found and placed me in 2 jobs now between them, both really responsive and excellent at keeping you up to speed with things. Very knowledgable about the roles and happy to talk to companies with any queries you have.
C R.C R.
10:45 27 Jan 23
Great agency one of the best ones I've worked with! Liz has been a great help and support in helping me towards a new direction in my career life. She is very attentive and keeps me in the loop at all times! She makes the extra effort to work with my preferred requirements for work and even if it isn't completely attainable she meets me in the middle and does as much as she can to help! Also Liz is very funny might I add 😂 and I'm happy that I can now put a face to the name after all these years! Thank you again Liz for all your help and support! 😊
ChristineChristine
10:32 20 Dec 22
Josh and the Astute team was very swift to help me to find roles that matched my profile. They are really reliable and will help through every step of the recruitment process going out of their way to assist and follow up when needed. Could not find a better recruitment agency!
Helen PinegarHelen Pinegar
16:19 18 Dec 22
Fantastic recruitment agency.. Josh was extremely enthusiastic, encouraging and clearly knowledgeable about what was needed from both the employee and the employers point of view. Extremely supportive especially in regards to interview preparation and endeavoured to procure feedback promptly. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Astute in the future to both candidates and recruiting businesses particularly for the right fit for the role!!!
Lisa LeighLisa Leigh
11:56 30 Nov 22
I have worked as a candidate for Astute and they have been excellent. Super friendly service and professional agents keen to fit the right person to the right job. It has been a pleasure dealing with them and I would happily work for them again in the future. Highly recommend this agency.
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The ticking timebomb of burnout and ways to help

‘Burnout’ is recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an ‘occupational phenomenon’. While it is not a medical or mental health condition, it has been classified as a syndrome, meaning a collection of symptoms or signs associated with a specific health-related cause. Burnout is a state of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion. It can occur when you experience long-term stress and feel under constant pressure. Burnout is rife and a reason so many employees are taking time off work to manage the issues and left unchecked, sustained and severe stress poses a threat to both our physical and mental health.

With the recent emphasis on mental health and the call to action for employers worldwide, it’s imperative to shift our focus from a reactive, crisis-driven model to one of prevention. Addressing burnout in the workplace not only supports employees in maintaining good mental health but also makes work a better, more fulfilling place for everyone.

The modern ways of life have drastically affected our work-life balance and stressors in life, causing many to experience burnout, with as many as 20% of workers taking time off to deal with its vagaries. That’s a huge percentage of productivity lost to its vices, so what can we do as individuals and employers to help.

Ways to address Burnout

1. Rethink your screen time

Modern life is plagued by digital devices and screens, and it’s not unusual to be staring them in the face throughout the working day and beyond. But it’s crucial to stay on top of your screen usage where you can, and be mindful of the pressures of the always-on digital life.

Try checking emails between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. or setting limits on your social media apps so you can’t access them after 8 p.m. That way time spent scrolling doesn’t impact your sleep.

2. Focus on self-care

Self-care is a crucial practice, not just for addressing burnout but preventing it in the first place.

Ensure you disconnect from work during your time off, meaning you fully engage in activities you enjoy, with people you love, and minimize the amount of time you vent your frustrations about work.

3. Take a break

If there’s ever a time to take time off, it’s when burnout hits. Burnout is likely a sign of having too much on your plate. Seeking doctor-approved leave, alongside standard PTO from your employer, can be crucial to give yourself the time and headspace to work through what’s happening.

4. Talk with a mental health professional

If you find yourself having difficulties with burnout, it can be very hard to dig yourself out. It’s worth looking at which talk therapies are available to you, either through NHS services or private therapists and clinics.

5. Be open to change

An openness to change was a recurring theme among the experts we spoke with. It’s difficult to envision a different life, or a different relationship with work, when your energy and motivation is at its lowest ebb.

But while an increase in self-care routines or mindfulness habits can be beneficial, it’s also important to look at bigger structural changes you can make in your life — whether that’s changing your job, reducing your hours, or negotiating a different set of responsibilities with your employer.

If the option is there, you can also look for other opportunities for employment. Working somewhere that constantly makes you feel burnt out may negatively affect your mental health in the long term, and you shouldn’t force yourself to stay if you have the ability to go elsewhere.

Ways managers can help with burnout and workplace anxiety

1. Make emotional proof-reads a habit

Before sending an email, we should be asking, ‘how would I feel if I received this?’

2. Set clear goals and celebrate mini-milestones

Creating goals to improve the company culture can also help teams acknowledge that times are hard but you’re actively working to make the situation better. With something more positive to focus on, the workforce can rekindle their motivation.

3. Acknowledge what people are feeling

The idea that you can openly and honestly share ideas, questions, and concerns without being judged or humiliated—improves workplace performance and productivity.

Even just saying something like, ‘Let me know what I can do to support you,’ can go a long way.

4. Invest in your team and their well-being

During tough financial times, monetary rewards such as raises and bonuses may not be possible. But that doesn’t mean your team’s efforts and hard work should go unrecognized. Managers should invest in their direct reports with tangible benefits, such as professional development, additional paid time off, and flexible work options.

5. Praise your team openly and often

If they’re not getting a financial reward, make sure they’re getting a psychological award, let people know when they’re doing good work. Acknowledge and praise it.

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