Emotional and mental exhaustion, decreased productivity, and high employee turnover rates are a result of one thing: workplace burnout. Burnout is a very real experience that is hurting the health of far too many. According to an Indeed study, work burnout is on the rise, affecting nearly 60% of Millennial and Gen-Z populations. And it's not just “toxic” workplaces — burnout can occur in a variety of settings, from a multitude of factors.
What is burnout?
Despite the growing number of workplace wellness initiatives, the rates of employee burnout are at an all-time high. From an unmanageable workload, to lack of time off, to the expectation to be connected and available 24/7, it’s easy to see why employees are more stressed than ever.
In order to address the underlying issues at play, it’s important to understand what burnout is in the first place.
Defined by the Mayo Clinic as “a state of physical or emotional exhaustion that also involves a sense of reduced accomplishment and loss of personal identity,” burnout is a serious problem that requires a serious solution.
In fact, the World Health Organization recently updated its definition of burnout to bring attention to its serious nature. Now known as an “occupational phenomenon,” burnout is understood to be a result of “chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.”
What does employee burnout mean for your workplace?
According to recent survey data, more than 24 million Americans quit their jobs between April and September 2021. And if employee burnout remains, expect this number to rise. Hint: Individuals experiencing burnout are six times more likely to consider leaving their employers in the next three to six months.
And for those who do stay… Let's just say it’s bad for business. Aside from high turnover rates, employee burnout can lead to:
- Reduced motivation
- Poor productivity and performance
- Loss of interest
- Increased workplace stress
- A negative work environment
- Billions of dollars lost to healthcare costs
Don’t let this be your team! The first step to beating burnout? Identify the signs, so you know how to offer support.
Ready to tackle burnout in your workplace? Download our free guide to beating burnout to get started.
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