In a post-pandemic world, the workplace is going through a significant overhaul. Companies are rethinking their traditional practices to meet the changing needs of their employees. The latest trend to emerge is “Bare Minimum Mondays.” The term refers to simplifying workloads on Mondays to combat the “Sunday Scaries,” the anxiety employees feel on Sunday nights before starting a new work week. According to LinkedIn research, almost 80% of employees experience this anxiety.

Bare Minimum Mondays, combined with record-high employee burnout, pose a severe threat to employee productivity and morale, which can affect a company’s bottom line. Mary Blake, Employsure Head of Talent Acquisition, believes this is the perfect time for employers to fine-tune their workplace practices.

“Creating an employee experience that inspires individuals to show up to work each day is the most effective way to unlock employee engagement. A strong workplace culture can unify employees and ensuring management is well equipped to lead their teams successfully will more than likely help in reducing burnout,” says Mary.

To make Mondays less unpredictable, Mary suggests that employers work with their managers or employees to create schedules for every Monday morning. Having a solid plan and knowing what to expect on the first day of the week will help alleviate employees’ fear or trepidation. This will also help them mentally prepare for the week ahead.

The pandemic has forever changed the way work is viewed. Many people have reassessed their priorities and sought a better work-life balance. Employers should encourage this by normalizing having a balance between work and life. Invite employees to review their work-life balance and create opportunities for healthy conversations. This will help create a positive workplace culture that encourages collaboration, creativity, and innovation. Employees feeling more engaged and motivated can lead to improved productivity on Mondays and throughout the week.

Employers should also consider implementing other strategies to improve employee engagement, such as flexible work schedules, employee recognition programs, and professional development opportunities.

In conclusion, Bare Minimum Mondays is an innovative approach to reducing the anxiety that employees experience on Sunday nights. However, to truly improve employee engagement and productivity, employers must create a positive workplace culture fostering collaboration, creativity, and innovation. By implementing strategies such as a healthy work-life balance and flexible work schedules, employers can unlock the full potential of their employees.

Written by: Jill Walsh

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