Ignore employee burnout at your peril

Employee burnout is a serious challenge facing companies of all sizes in South Africa. As businesses navigate a competitive environment and difficult economic conditions, they are often pressured to “do more with less”. Unfortunately, employees often bear the brunt through increasing workloads and rising stress levels.

According to Warren Bonheim, co-founder of WorkStatz – an award-winning business management software that measures employee effectiveness in real time – finding the right balance between employee well-being and the demands of success is a significant challenge. 

“I have not seen such high burnout rates as in the last couple of years,” he says, and the statistics back this up. A report from US-based online HR and payroll solutions provider iSolved found that 65% of surveyed employees reported suffering from burnout. 

Burnout and stress lead to exhaustion, lack of enthusiasm, and diminished performance, impacting work productivity and taking a toll on employees’ emotional and physical health. Burnout is so pervasive that it’s now classified as an occupational phenomenon in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). 

“Employees experiencing burnout, if left unaddressed by their employer, are more likely to seek positions that offer better work-life balance,” Bonheim emphasises. “Often, managers only learn about burnout when it’s too late. This can happen for several reasons. Some employees fear that speaking up will have repercussions, such as being perceived as incompetent, weak, or unable to handle stress. Others blame themselves for not keeping up, and some are so driven to succeed that they don’t even realise they are heading towards burnout.” 

It’s not all doom and gloom, however. Bonheim suggests several strategies that employers can implement to manage and prevent burnout:

Recognise the early warning signs of burnout: Decreased productivity, abrupt changes in work hours, or shifts in behaviour like irritability or fatigue are indicators that intervention is needed. Employers should proactively identify and address these warning signs early on. This approach not only prevents burnout, but also fosters a supportive workplace culture that prioritises employee well-being. 

Empower managers with real-time data: Technology can offer insights into what’s happening “under the hood” in real time. Using software tools to track employees’ work patterns helps identify potential burnout risks early. By monitoring activities like productivity, task completion rates, and break times, companies can pinpoint overload areas and take timely, preventive action. 

Focus on productivity, not hours: Managers should prioritise productivity and effectiveness over hours spent. Instead of only tracking the number of hours worked, prioritise task completion, work focus, and overall productivity. Some days may require longer hours, while others might allow for shorter work periods; ultimately, what counts is productivity during the hours worked. 

Encourage open communication: Cultivate a culture where employees feel comfortable discussing workload and mental health concerns without fear of judgement or repercussions. Regular check-ins and surveys provide safe avenues for employees to voice concerns before they escalate to a potential burnout. 

Equal workload distribution: Identify both overloaded and underutilised employees to ensure work is distributed evenly. Overloading employees – even those willing to take on more – can result in lower quality work, decreased productivity, and burnout. Companies that intervene early and ensure equitable workloads significantly improve team effectiveness.

Promote work-life balance: Employers can play a crucial role by encouraging employees to take regular breaks and use vacation time. Offering flexible work arrangements like remote work or adjustable hours also goes a long way in preventing burnout. Employees value employers who empower them to manage their time effectively.

Ignoring employee burnout is a risk no company can afford. By taking proactive steps to recognise, manage, and prevent burnout, employers not only protect their employees’ well-being, but also boost overall productivity and long-term business success. After all, thriving employees are the cornerstone of a thriving company.