Imagine hitting a wall—emotionally, physically, and mentally—after weeks, months, or even years of high stress at work. That’s burnout. It’s not just a bad day; it’s a chronic condition marked by extreme exhaustion and dwindling interest in your job, which can leave you feeling less capable at work.
Why Should Organizations Care?
When burnout spreads through a workplace, it doesn’t just hurt the employees—it hurts the entire organization. Employees grappling with burnout often struggle to perform, potentially leading to lower productivity and a higher turnover rate. According to a revealing study by MyPerfectResume, a shocking 88% of employees report experiencing burnout, underlining how this isn’t an individual issue—it’s a widespread organizational challenge.
How Big is the Burnout Problem?
Burnout is more than an occasional issue. It’s a pervasive part of many workplaces today. The same survey from MyPerfectResume provides startling insights: 20% of employees frequently think about quitting their job due to burnout. What’s more, many admit that burnout drives them to act out at work—whether that’s snapping at a coworker, storming out of a meeting, or “rage applying” to other jobs out of sheer frustration. The full MyPerfectResume report can be found here.
These behaviors highlight a critical, underlying distress and dissatisfaction among employees. The survey also points out that nearly half the workforce starts their week with a sense of dread. This level of workplace unhappiness can lead to significant disruptions in productivity and morale.
Simple Steps to Combat Burnout
Addressing burnout isn’t just about cutting down on overtime or offering more coffee in the break room. It’s about creating an environment where employees can thrive without risking their mental health.
Here are a couple of strategies to consider:
- Encourage real breaks. Promote a culture where taking actual breaks is normalized—and not just taking a quick lunch at the desk. Whether it’s stepping outside for a walk or finding a quiet space to unwind, real breaks can help reset the mind.
- Cultivate open dialogues. Foster an environment where employees can talk candidly about their workloads and stress levels. Regular one-on-ones between managers and their teams can be instrumental in catching burnout before it becomes severe.
Understanding and tackling burnout is crucial for any organization that wants to nurture a healthy, productive workplace. By taking proactive steps to address the causes and symptoms of burnout, companies can not only enhance employee well-being but also bolster their overall operational success.
Lin Grensing-Pophal is a Contributing Editor at HR Daily Advisor.