How to avoid team burnout

I had an inspiring conversation with a client this week.
He is the CEO of a technology firm.
He is a person who really walks the talk.

He told me that one of his main organizational priorities is to avoid employee burnout.

So, one of the policies that he put in place was unlimited vacation.
But guess what?
He noticed that nobody in his organization was taking their vacation!
He asked people to take time off.
They all said they were too busy or the time was not right.

So, he decided to try another policy.
He instituted “Free Fridays”.
This employee benefit ensures that everyone takes off one Friday a month.
So, at a minimum, his employees will have at least twelve vacation days a year.

This CEO also does not email people after 5:30 pm.
He rarely sends a message to people on the weekends.

He consciously walks the talk as he understands that leaders set the tone.

He is clear on his values and lives them every day.

The result of his behaviour is a happy, healthy and motivated team.

I work with his senior leadership team and their direct reports.
They are all thriving.
They are happy.
They are motivated.
And… they work really hard.

As legendary management consultant Peter Drucker says, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.”

This CEO would make Peter Drucker proud.

His actions and behaviours send a strong message to his team that he truly cares.
While many leaders do nothing while mouthing platitudes about avoiding burnout, this leader actually takes action.

When he says, “I want to avoid burnout,” he means it.

What can you learn from this leader?

What is one value or priority that you stand behind?

What are you doing to walk the talk and demonstrate your commitment to this value or priority?