Over a third of adults experienced high or extreme levels of pressure and stress, which warns that the UK is at risk of becoming a ‘burnt-out nation’. In recent years, burnout has become a major concern in the workplace, especially as remote work and hybrid models blur the lines between work and personal life.
Understanding burnout
Burnout is recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as an ‘occupational phenomenon’. While it is not a medical or mental health condition, it has been classified as a syndrome, meaning a collection of symptoms associated with a specific health-related cause. It is a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion that can occur when an individual is experiencing long-term stress.
Burnout is a challenge that often comes up in the workplace, with one in five workers needing to take time off due to poor mental health caused by pressure or stress in the past year (Mental Health UK, 2024). Burnout doesn’t only affect the individual but also costs UK employers £51 billion a year (People Management, 2024).
Why burnout happens
Burnout can arise from various sources, but below are a few key factors in the workplace that contribute to this growing problem.
- Workplace stressors: A survey by Mental Health UK (2024) found that the majority of working adults agreed that a high or increased workload, working outside of contracted hours, and fear of redundancy are factors that have caused stress.
- Parents: Working parents are at risk for high levels of role strain with 65% of working parents reporting burnout (Journal of Paediatric Health Care, 2024).
- Lack of support – Employees who don’t receive adequate support from managers or colleagues, may feel isolated and disconnected from their work. Nearly half of workers (49%) say their employer doesn’t plan to spot signs to prevent burnout (Mental Health UK, 2024).
- Unclear expectations – Ambiguity in job roles or shifting expectations can leave employees feeling uncertain and overwhelmed.
- Lifestyle stressors: Financial uncertainty due to the cost-of-living crisis, lack of sleep, poor health, and feeling isolated are contributing to the risk of burnout.
How employees can prevent burnout
Preventing burnout starts with taking proactive steps to protect mental and physical health. Here are some strategies employees can use:
- Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Turn off work-related notifications outside of office hours and avoid checking emails or taking calls.
- Prioritise self-care: Taking regular breaks, exercising, practicing mindfulness, and ensuring proper sleep.
- Delegate when necessary: Ask for help or delegate tasks when the workload becomes overwhelming. It’s essential to recognise limits and work collaboratively to manage responsibilities.
- Communicate needs: Open communication with a manager about workload, deadlines, and support needed is crucial. Expressing concerns early can prevent burnout from escalating.
- Manage time effectively: Use techniques like task prioritisation or time management techniques such as Pomodoro.
How managers can prevent burnout
As a manager, creating an environment that minimises burnout requires intentional actions to foster a supportive, balanced, and healthy workplace. Here’s how managers can play a role in preventing burnout:
- Promote work-life balance: Encourage employees to take time off and disconnect from work when necessary. Managers should lead by example by respecting their own work-life balance.
- Offer flexibility: Flexible work arrangements, whether remote, hybrid, or flexible hours, can alleviate stress and help employees manage their responsibilities more effectively.
- Foster a supportive environment: Create a culture where employees feel comfortable discussing their challenges, whether work-related or personal.
- Provide clear expectations and feedback: Ensure employees have a clear understanding of their tasks and what’s expected of them. Regular and clear feedback helps them stay on track and reassures them that they’re performing well.
Final thoughts
Burnout is a serious issue that affects individuals and organizations alike. By recognising the signs and addressing the causes of burnout, employees and managers can work together to create a healthier and more productive work environment. For employees, taking responsibility for their mental and physical well-being is essential, while managers must foster a culture that values balance, support, and clear expectations.
