Burnout Is on the Rise — Here’s How Employers Can Recognize and Combat It
Burnout has become a significant issue in today’s workplace, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Recent studies, including a Gallup survey, reveal that nearly three-quarters of employees experience burnout at some point in their careers. This chronic stress can lead to disengagement, reduced productivity, and higher turnover rates. In a world where the demands of work have become relentless, employees are increasingly struggling to maintain their mental and physical well-being.
In fact, 27% of employees report being unable to unplug from work after hours, and 53% of remote workers say they now work longer hours than they did in the office, according to an Indeed survey. Burnout is not just a personal issue for employees—it’s an organizational one. The good news is that employers can take proactive steps to spot the signs of burnout and provide the support their teams need.
What Is Burnout?
Burnout is more than just feeling tired after a long day at work. The World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognized burnout as a workplace issue, defining it as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. Burnout affects employees’ ability to function at work and can lead to significant emotional, mental, and physical health issues.
In this always-on world, work fatigue isn’t something employees can simply “snap out of.” It is an organizational problem that requires a systemic response.
How Burnout Affects Your Employees and Your Organization
The impact of burnout can be profound, not only on employees’ health but also on the bottom line. Employees suffering from burnout are:
- 63% more likely to take sick days
- 23% more likely to visit the emergency room
- 2.6x more likely to be actively looking for a new job
Burnout also costs organizations in terms of lost productivity, increased healthcare costs, and high turnover. According to estimates, burnout-related productivity loss costs businesses around $190 billion annually.
This article is posted at lyrahealth.com
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