Although employers keep an eye on their staffs and monitor performance, few companies in construction directly address the issue of burnout with formal stress-management or work-redesign programs.
For example, Indianapolis-based RATIO Architects Inc., a 28-year-old planning and architecture practice, worked on keeping spirits up after shedding 12 of its 88 positions in 2009. “Open communication about staff adjustments is key,” says Tracy Imes, RATIO administration director. “We make sure that it’s announced to everyone when it occurs, so employees understand why and how it happened. We are trying to be as open as possible. We want to develop trust with our employees.”