Almost half of working people are at risk of job burnout, and people working from home are more likely to feel this way, as almost one in ten are burning out
With over 8.7 billion extra hours being worked throughout the pandemic – with 70% of people working from home, and 65% working at workplace – job burnout is a risk for many of the population
As of 2022, almost half (46%) of workers are close to burnout, according to research conducted by Westfield Health.
Highlighting the impact that the pandemic has had on workers across the UK, the researchers found that people who have been working from home for the last 18 months are also more likely to feel at risk of burnout (50%) than those who have been going to the workplace (41%).
34% of workers want more wellbeing support at work
In the property and construction industry specifically, 40% felt close to burnout, with 27% feeling just a week or less away from burning out. 51% of those working in the property and construction sector have also worked more hours throughout the pandemic, with 22% now wanting a career break due to the pressures felt throughout the pandemic.
The effects of worker burnout are soon to be felt by businesses also, as 52% of workers have considered changing jobs with the majority (59%) stating mental health as the reasons for this.
Up to a third of workers (30%) are also considering a career break with protecting their mental health being the most common reason (29%), followed by physical health (13%).
“We all have our own values and goals and if our workplace does not help us meet them, it negatively impacts our happiness, sense of achievement and mental health”
Dave Capper, CEO at Westfield Health, commented: “The findings from our research paint a worrying picture about the toll the pandemic has taken on workers’ mental health.
“With nearly two thirds (62%) of employees working more hours during the pandemic and one in five (19%) working an extra five to 10 hours a week, it’s not surprising that burnout is on the horizon for so many.
“There’s a real immediacy to this issue; one in four say they’re less than a week from burnout, and more than half of workers are threatening to vote with their feet and find roles that value and protect their mental health.”
Employers need to ensure they are looking after their workers’ wellbeing
Dave said: “This shift in looking after wellbeing hasn’t just surfaced due to added workload; the pandemic has made many people change their priorities.
“Our research reflects this. Over half (53%) have stated that job security, better pay (53%) and wellbeing support (47%) are now more important to them than they were pre-pandemic.
“Meeting these needs is important for personal wellbeing. We all have our own values and goals and if our workplace does not help us meet them, it negatively impacts our happiness, sense of achievement and mental health, all of which can lead to employees leaving or feeling burnt out.”
What are the top three things employers can do to help?
Tips the researchers suggest for preventing employees from switching or leaving their jobs are: having businesses offer flexible/remote working (43%); getting a pay rise (40%); and better wellbeing support (35%).
Dave said: “Businesses now need to take some time to reflect and see whether they are offering their employees what they want and giving them what they deserve. These employees are the ones that have kept companies going throughout tough times, so evaluating ways to support them is vital.
“More worryingly, however, are the one third of employees who want more mental health support at work. This research has an underlying message throughout: workers are worn out and they need help”.
