Since 2020, attitudes towards work and working have changed. More people are working from home, and flexible working is becoming more popular. While working from home may encourage employees to be more productive, it also puts pressure on them to work too much and not know how to relax.
As we have surpassed five years since the first UK lockdown, office brokers across the UK and Ireland, Click Offices (https://www.clickoffices.com/serviced-offices/ireland/) have analysed data from across the UK to see the impact of burnout on the workforce. Click Offices reviewed a number of reports, added commentary and insight to highlight workplace burnout. They also offered advice on what employees and employers could do to combat burnout.
Stress was reported by 90% of workers in the last year
Mental Health UK reports that 90% of UK workers reported feeling stressed within the last year (2024). This issue does not seem to be confined to the UK, as another report revealed that 43% people in over 100 countries had experienced workplace burnout. Burnout increased 39% between 2019 and 2020, according to the same report. Burnout syndrome is responsible for 8% all occupational illnesses in different countries. Employee burnout is attributed to increased workloads, mental health issues and deadline pressure.
Burnout is a major problem for Gen Z.
Burnout is most prevalent among the younger generation of workers. Mental Health UK states that 18-24-year-olds are the age group most affected by stress and the need for time off. 35% of employees in this age range reported that they needed time off due to health problems, which were often related to unpaid overtime (48%), and extra hours because of the cost of living (46%) Two thirds (66%) of workers in this group said they felt unable to switch off during their free time.
Only 10% of those over 55 took time off due to health reasons. This group felt more capable of managing stress and maintaining work-life balance. 56% of 25 to 34 year olds cited increased workloads for workplace stress and burnout.
Burnout and stress at work can lead to lower earnings than people with good mental health.
Burnout is costly for employers, employees, and the UK’s economy. Research shows that work-related mental issues cost the UK economy PS57.4bn each year. This has nearly doubled in the last few years. Employees with mental problems such as anxiety or depression earn on average PS8,400 more than those who do not have mental problems.
Managers are “out of their depth”
Mental Health First Aid England conducted a study that found a third all managers to feel unprepared and out of their element when dealing with mental health issues of staff. 74% of managers expressed concern over the mental health of their team, and 29% wanted additional training and support to tackle employee stress.
What can you do?
Shane Duffy comments, “There have been huge changes in working patterns and business strategies, as well as attitudes to work, since the pandemic. While working from home can have its benefits, it may also lead to employees having to work frequent overtime or struggling to separate their home and work lives. Burnout can be caused by this, as well as increasing pressures placed on employees.
Managers should schedule regular check-ins and one-on-ones with their staff to monitor emerging cases of burnout. Mental health first aiders are a great asset to any business. They can help managers support their teams, even if they don’t feel like they have the skills or knowledge to do so. Flexible approaches, adapting work loads and making reasonable adjustments are all ways to help employees avoid burnout and maintain a positive work-life equilibrium.
The original version of this article, Burnout among Gen Z workers as two-thirds admit to not switching off at work, appeared first on HR news.
