Stress-related burnout is a major concern in Sales these days. Here are three ways to help your staff avoid the syndrome that’s affecting more than 75% of employees nationwide, according to a recent CareerBuilder survey:

1. Reassess priorities: Before asking reps to take on more responsibility, consider which of their tasks can be reallocated, put off or done away with altogether. A lot of times it’s the low-priority tasks that eat up salespeople’s time, providing them with less opportunity to pursue revenue-producing ventures. Streamlining responsibilities lets reps know you’re on their side, while allowing them more time to close deals.
2. Do something on each rep’s behalf: With so much pressure to perform, salespeople need to feel like you’re a partner in their success. Whether that means helping them close a top prospect, going to bat to get them the bonus they deserve or simply joining them on sales calls, let them know you’re in their corner at all times.
3. Create a low-cost incentive: Some sales organizations give reps a day off for achieving monthly goals. Others allow reps to work from home one day a week. The key is to create a win-win where the company achieves its goals and salespeople don’t feel overworked.

The key to avoiding burnout is taking measures before problems arise. Otherwise, stress-related burnout could lead to decreased productivity and increased turnover, as well as stress and depression — all of which end up costing the company in the long run.

Tags: burnout, careerbuilder, depression, incentive, stress