The top cause of burnout was workload (52%), followed by staffing shortages (44%), balancing work and personal life (41%).
Burnout among US workers remains high but is trending downward since the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, results of a recent survey show. However, researchers caution that the “current wave of employee layoffs could trigger an uptick”.
On behalf of management consulting firm Eagle Hill Consulting, market research company Ipsos surveyed a random sample of over 1,000 US workers; the survey found that 46% of the workers were burned out – down from 49% in 2021 and 58% in 2020.
Workload was cited as the top cause of burnout (52%), followed by staffing shortages (44%), balancing work and personal life (41%), lack of communication and support (39%), and time pressures (38%).
“We know that staffing shortages have been a major source of worker burnout. In fact, we asked employees how staff shortages impact their workload, and 83% of workers said it’s covering the workload for unfilled positions,” noted Melissa Jezior, President and CEO of Eagle Hill Consulting.
“That number could rise in the coming months given that layoffs often create more work for those who remain on the job.” When asked about ways to reduce burnout, 71% of the workers suggested a four-day workweek, while around two-thirds called for increased flexibility (66%), decreased workloads (65%), and better health and wellness benefits (60%).
“Employers should not be complacent when addressing employee burnout,” Jezior said. “Nearly half of the workforce reports burnout; far too high for organisations that seek optimal performance and retention of their top talent. When employees are tired and stressed, they’ll underperform or look for another job.” (Source: www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/)
