More than a third of U.S. professionals say they’re more burned out now than a year ago, according to a May 31 report from talent and business consulting firm Robert Half.
Workers said the top factors that contribute to burnout are heavy workloads, lack of communication and support from management, and insufficient tools and resources to perform effectively.
Working parents, millennials and employees who have been with their company for two to four years reported the highest burnout levels.
“Despite employers’ efforts to better support employee well-being, burnout is an issue that needs ongoing attention,” Paul McDonald, senior executive director of Robert Half, said in a statement.
“Compounding the matter, businesses are moving forward with an influx of new projects, putting more pressure on current staff who may already be stretched thin,” he said.
In a survey of 2,400 professionals across several industries, 2 in 5 workers said they feel uneasy about expressing their feelings of burnout to their boss. Beyond that, 1 in 5 workers said their manager hasn’t taken any action to help alleviate work-related stress.
Among those who are receiving support, about a fourth were encouraged to take time off. Others were given greater schedule flexibility or guidance on prioritizing projects.
Even still, work breaks were highlighted as a key way to restore energy and help burnout. While about 28% of professionals said they plan to use more vacation days this summer, another 28% said they can’t take time off. They have too much work or could lose their job, they noted.
“Refreshed and recharged workers are happier, more productive and less likely to burn out,” McDonald said. “To discourage hustle culture and find better balance, managers must set clear and realistic expectations, and workers need to prioritize self-care and protect their personal time.”
Employee burnout continues to remain high this year, according to recent data, sparking conversations around reduced engagement and negative impacts to job productivity. Although the high rates of burnout are “unprecedented,” sources told HR Dive, employers can bolster the employee experience by paying market value, nurturing colleague relationships, supporting career opportunities and professional development, and improving internal communications.
Diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives can also help with burnout and retention, according to recent research. Creating a better sense of belonging can foster respect and a feeling of being valued among everyone at the company.
