After the stress of living through a pandemic and the financial destruction it has left in its wake, burnout has become a widespread and pressing problem.
According to the Maslach Burnout Inventory, it includes:
- Feeling depleted or exhausted;
- An increased mental distance from your job or feeling negative about it; and
- Reduced ability to perform your workplace duties.
“The reality is that life is very hard right now and, for many employees, showing up to work and trying to deliver their best feels like drawing blood from a stone," says Advaita Naidoo, Africa MD at Jack Hammer.
"People are worn thin, and while most will put on a brave face at work, leaders should be aware that burnout, while invisible, is a reality they need to recognise and take into account when dealing with their teams."
She advises:
- Employers need to recognise that most people are still reeling from the effects of the pandemic and are now battling the cost of living crisis;
- Managers should think twice before having another endless and fruitless meeting about matters that could have been outlined in an e-mail; and
- The expectation that people should get to work early and leave late is toxic and a huge contributor to burnout.
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