Burnout is a pervasive issue amongst CPG founders and if not managed, can harm your business. This stress not only impacts mental health but also the quality of work produced. A notable Deloitte Workplace Burnout survey revealed that 91% of respondents felt that excessive stress detrimentally affected their work performance. But as founders, this is what we signed up for, right? To some degree, the pressure helps us achieve our goals. However, burnout can be managed and even prevented using proven, actionable strategies.

1. Strategic Pauses After Milestones

Implementing strategic pauses after significant achievements is an effective antidote to burnout. Although it might appear counterintuitive to slow down during a period of intense activity and success, these breaks are essential for long-term sustainability. Similar to how endurance athletes require rest periods to optimize their performance, corporate teams need these moments to celebrate successes, reflect on accomplishments, and strategize for the future. Such practices are not just beneficial but necessary, as highlighted by Deloitte’s survey, which points out the adverse effects of inadequate support or recognition from leadership.

2. Continuous Prioritization of Tasks

Feeling perpetually in crisis mode can be exhausting. Our experts suggest that continuously setting and updating priorities—tasks, goals, and success metrics—can significantly mitigate burnout. A 2021 Harvard Business Review survey supports this, showing that 62% of individuals overwhelmed by their workloads frequently experienced burnout. By clearly defining and communicating what needs to be accomplished, teams can remain engaged and focused, reducing the overwhelming nature of their tasks.

3. Respecting Personal Time

The expectation to always be “on” can significantly exacerbate burnout. About one in four professionals admit to not using all their vacation days, often due to a fear of seeming uncommitted. Setting and respecting personal boundaries is critical for maintaining mental and emotional health. Encouraging team members to engage in personal interests and wellness activities can foster a more balanced and sustainable professional life.

4. Leveraging Fractional Talent

The pressure to juggle multiple roles can lead to burnout. Employing fractional talent—experts hired for specific, temporary needs—can alleviate this pressure by optimizing resources and introducing fresh perspectives focused on particular challenges. This not only speeds up problem resolution but also introduces efficiencies that can prevent burnout.

5. Fostering a Culture of Well-being

Cultivating a supportive environment begins with the hiring process and is reinforced by leadership. Building a team that prioritizes each other’s well-being and promotes a healthy work-life balance is essential in reducing burnout. Leaders are instrumental in this process by exemplifying and promoting supportive behaviors.

Key Takeaways

To effectively avoid and manage in the CPG industry, it is crucial to maintain a balance between professional demands and personal well-being, emphasize strong communication, and implement strategic pauses. These measures, while simple, can significantly improve both performance and employee satisfaction over the long term.