As stressful as it sounds, burnout is a critical issue affecting employee well-being and organisational success. In almost every occupation, professionals are feeling the pressure, leading to increased turnover rates, absenteeism, and a decline in overall productivity.
On the bright side, as an HR professional, you have the power to fight burnout and foster a healthier workforce. Take this article as a guide that will provide practical strategies and tools to address burnout head-on and create a supportive environment that keeps your team thriving.
Understanding burnout
Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental fatigue caused by prolonged stress, often exacerbated in industries where the stakes are high and the demands are relentless.
A study on "The State of Employee Mental Health in 2024", conducted among 1,405 employees, shows that 44% feel burned out from their work, and 30% often feel stressed. The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognised burnout as an occupational phenomenon, describing it as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. Symptoms include feelings of energy depletion, increased mental distance from one’s job, and reduced professional efficacy.
Industries such as healthcare, finance, and tech are prone to causing burnout - they are usually related to an environment where long hours and high expectations are the norms. However, no industry is immune to burnout. If people are working around the clock, if they feel the pressure of company growth and tight deadlines, or if they experience unprecedented levels of stress for one reason or another, sooner or later they start showing signs of burnout - lack of motivation, increased sick days, and a general sense of dissatisfaction.
If the above sounds familiar and you’re experiencing in in your company, it's time to act - it’s not just about managing workload anymore, it’s about preserving the mental health of employees.
The burnout: a challenge for HR professionals
For HR professionals, burnout presents a unique challenge. Common pain points may include, but are not limited to:
- Absenteeism
Burnout often leads to increased sick days and long-term leaves, further straining the team. - Lower engagement
When employees are mentally exhausted, their engagement and productivity plummet. - Workplace culture
Toxic and high-pressure work environment can exacerbate burnout, making it a vicious cycle. - High turnover rates
Burned-out employees are more likely to actively seek a different job. And rightfully so.
7 ways to fight burnout as an HR professional
- Implement regular surveys
Use pulse surveys to check on employee stress levels and gather feedback on workload. - Train managers
Equip managers with the skills to recognise burnout signs and support their teams effectively. - Set boundaries and encourage downtime
Ensure that employees are setting clear boundaries between work and personal life. Encourage taking regular breaks and disconnecting from work emails after hours. - Promote work-life balance
Encourage flexible working hours and remote work options. Make it a policy for employees to take their vacation days, and consider implementing mandatory breaks. - Recognise and reward
Acknowledge hard work and celebrate successes. Recognition can alleviate feelings of underappreciation and reduce the risk of burnout. - Provide resources
Offer access to mental health resources, such as counselling services or stress management workshops. - Foster a supportive culture
Build a workplace culture that values well-being over productivity. Regular check-ins, mental health days, and team-building activities can go a long way.
Burnout is an urgent call to action. By understanding the root causes, recognising the signs, and implementing practical solutions, HR professionals can make a significant impact on their workforce’s well-being - and when HR professionals prioritise well-being, promote work-life balance, and invest in continuous learning, they create an environment where employees feel valued and supported. This positive atmosphere becomes a magnet for talent, drawing in individuals who seek a workplace that genuinely cares for its people. In a way, the effort to prevent burnout evolves into a powerful tool for attracting and retaining the very best.
