PROCUREMENT BURNOUT
right conditions for success or contributing to a toxic environment . “ It ’ s never easy to recognise that you might be part of the problem , but research suggests that the company is often the major cause of burnout .”
He says that the questions we have to ask are :
• Is the team given enough discretion over managing their work ?
• Are they given enough time to go offline from constant messaging traffic and actually solve problems ?
• Is the CPO putting the right people into the right teams who can support each other and contribute different skills ?
• Do the team members feel empowered to speak up and ask for help when overloaded and long before they become ill ?
Another key aspect to help teams avoid burnout is training . “ There ’ s clear evidence that training gives employees improved confidence , showing them that the company values them and is committed to their development ,” he says . “ Greater skill improves efficiency , providing a way to handle increased workloads . Upskilling will undoubtedly help them cope better with the unprecedented challenges procurement now faces .
“ For the individual procurement professionals , I ’ d offer three pieces of advice ,” he says .
“ Firstly , take as much control over your work environment as possible . If clear priorities still need to be set , set priorities yourself . Communicate them clearly and assume silence means consent .
If possible , go offline from email and messaging communications for fixed periods of the day and use these for
42 February 2023