65% of full-time employees are still burned out, study finds

Author: Michael Popke

Original Article here.

Employee satisfaction and employee burnout are not mutually exclusive. As a new report notes, 84% of 1,100 full-time employees surveyed are satisfied with their jobs, but 65% say they’re still burned out. What’s more, burnout is impacting productivity, with 72% of employees saying it has affected their on-the-job performance. 

“Uncovering the Significant HR Trends of 2024 to Maximize Your Next-Best Step,” from HR management system company, isolved, identifies “the needs and wants of the modern employee and how employers can better support their workforce.” 

Burnout might be a big reason why 58% of employee respondents said they plan to explore new job opportunities in the next 12 months. Additionally, 59% claimed they work when they’re sick, 43% would be open to a pay cut if it resulted in a better work-life balance, and 25% said they work in a “toxic environment.” 

As the report notes: “Organizations are wise to dig deeper to unearth what’s on their employees’ minds and agendas. While investing in the right tools and technology is essential for a positive employee experience (EX), successful businesses will focus on creating an EX that matters, one that truly resonates with each member of their workforce.”

“During a time when employees are facing higher workloads, increased pressures to perform, and a challenging economic environment, employers need to do more to mitigate the effects of burnout on their workforce,” Lina Tonk, Chief Experience Officer at isolved, told BenefitsPRO. “Pressures on exhausted and unmotivated employees trickle into employee productivity [and] the experience they provide customers.” 

The 16-page report also identifies additional employee needs that employers should keep in mind. Here are four relevant findings: 

• Most (88%) employees said it is more important for them to have a job they find personally fulfilling.
• More than half (53%) of employees want their employer to provide more opportunities to develop their skills.
• More than half (52%) of employees crave a more flexible work environment.
• Nearly 1 out of 5 employees (19%) would like improved internal communications, and a desire that takes priority over “pay employees market value” (18%).

“Employers have to invest in programs that support employee mental health by empowering them with coping skills to deal with stress and encouraging setting better boundaries,” Tonk said. “But the responsibility isn’t solely on employees. Workplace leaders must be trained to spot employees suffering from burnout and establish an environment where they discuss their bandwidth with managers truthfully. Managers must show compassion and empathy to create a culture where employees can communicate feelings of burnout and what they need to thrive to create a strong foundation for a healthy, resilient, and strong work environment.”