Learn how to prevent burnout among account managers and keep them thriving in the industry with effective strategies.

"Prevention is better than cure". Simple communication techniques, asking a colleague if they are ok, regular coffee catch ups, listening without judgement, can all lead to seeing signs that a colleague is struggling or overwhelmed, they may not even know it themselves. In my experience, this is the most effective time to intervene. If someone has got to burnout, then they may have already disengaged and feel unseen and unheard. At this stage, the damage can be harder to heal.

What do you do if burnout is causing Account Managers to leave the industry?

Account management is a demanding field, and burnout can be a significant issue. As an account manager, you're often at the forefront of client interactions, ensuring their needs are met while balancing the demands of your own organization. This juggling act can lead to stress and, eventually, burnout, which is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands. As the stress continues, you begin to lose the interest or motivation that led you to take on a certain role in the first place. If left unchecked, burnout can cause valuable account managers to leave the industry, creating a vacuum of expertise and negatively affecting business relationships.

1 Recognize Signs

Recognizing the signs of burnout is crucial for prevention and intervention. You might notice that your account managers are exhibiting symptoms like chronic fatigue, irritability, or a noticeable decrease in job performance. These warning signals shouldn't be ignored. Early detection can lead to supportive conversations and strategies to alleviate stress before it escalates. Encourage your team to communicate openly about their workload and emotional state. This proactive approach can create a supportive environment that acknowledges the challenges of the role and actively works to address them.

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Sarah Worpole

Senior Underwriter Mining & Energy - Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance - Australia
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"Prevention is better than cure". Simple communication techniques, asking a colleague if they are ok, regular coffee catch ups, listening without judgement, can all lead to seeing signs that a colleague is struggling or overwhelmed, they may not even know it themselves. In my experience, this is the most effective time to intervene. If someone has got to burnout, then they may have already disengaged and feel unseen and unheard. At this stage, the damage can be harder to heal.

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2 Offer Support

Offering support to your account managers can make a significant difference in mitigating burnout. This could involve providing access to mental health resources or implementing regular check-ins to discuss their well-being. Consider establishing mentorship programs where seasoned professionals can share coping strategies and advice. Support can also come in the form of acknowledging their hard work, which can boost morale and foster a sense of appreciation and belonging within the team.

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Kelley O’Keeffe, MBA

B2B Strategic Corporate Relationships, GTM Strategy & Rev Ops
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Finding ways to have fun- that are tailored to your team’s hobbies or interests has helps morale a good bit. Versus whatever the leaders view of “fun” is- makes a big difference!

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3 Redefine Goals

Sometimes, unrealistic goals can contribute to burnout. It's important to work with your account managers to set achievable targets that motivate rather than overwhelm. This process involves redefining success criteria and ensuring that goals align with both the individual's and the company's capacities. Periodic reviews of these targets can help maintain a healthy balance between ambition and well-being, ensuring that account managers feel challenged but not overburdened.

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Kelley O’Keeffe, MBA

B2B Strategic Corporate Relationships, GTM Strategy & Rev Ops
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Having an account plan you continually update that serves as a roadmap, with milestones and KPIs is essential. I’ve found that making them challenging is essential- and not forgetting to enjoy the journey of success.

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4 Encourage Breaks

Encouraging regular breaks is essential for maintaining mental health. Account managers often feel the need to be constantly available, which can lead to them working through lunch or staying late. Promote a culture where taking breaks is not only accepted but encouraged. Whether it's stepping away from the desk for a short walk or using vacation days without stigma, these pauses can provide much-needed mental refreshment and help prevent burnout.

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5 Promote Balance

Promoting a work-life balance is key to preventing burnout. This might mean reevaluating workload distribution or offering flexible working arrangements, like remote work options or adjustable hours. By showing that you value your account managers' time both in and out of the office, you create an environment that respects personal boundaries and reduces the risk of burnout. A well-balanced work life can lead to more sustained productivity and job satisfaction.

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Kelley O’Keeffe, MBA

B2B Strategic Corporate Relationships, GTM Strategy & Rev Ops
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Setting boundaries with availability has been crucial. Oftentimes we want to be available 24/7, but this leads to burnout. I’ve found that one way to prevent chaos and reactivity is to set recurring short touch points. Review all issues in those scheduled meetings, and address small things before they become bigger issues.

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6 Invest in Training

Investing in training and development can also help prevent burnout. When account managers feel equipped with the latest skills and knowledge, they're more likely to feel confident and less stressed about their responsibilities. Consider offering workshops on time management or stress reduction techniques. Continuous learning opportunities not only keep your team at the top of their game but also show that you're invested in their growth and career longevity.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What do you do if burnout is causing Account Managers to leave the industry?

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2

3

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5

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1 Recognize Signs

2 Offer Support

3 Redefine Goals

4 Encourage Breaks

5 Promote Balance

6 Invest in Training

7 Here’s what else to consider

Account Management

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What do you do if burnout is causing Account Managers to leave the industry?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Recognize Signs

2 Offer Support

3 Redefine Goals

4 Encourage Breaks

5 Promote Balance

6 Invest in Training

7 Here’s what else to consider

Account Management

Rate this article

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