Worker Burnout Continues to Increase

As workers return to their home computers, offices, and jobsites after the long holiday weekend, instead of feeling rejuvenated many are suffering from low motivation due to burnout. The ongoing pandemic has negatively affected a majority of workers, with 58% of respondents surveyed in August reporting they are burned out, compared to 45% of respondents reporting burnout in April.

The survey, conducted by Eagle Hill Consulting LLC, included more than 1,000 respondents from a random sample of employees across the United States. It polled participants on COVID-19 and its potential impact on their work experience and environment.

When asked about the causes of burnout:

• 47% attribute burnout to their workload.
• 39% mention difficulty balancing work and their personal life.
• 37% indicate burnout stems from a lack of communication, feedback, and support.
• 30% point to time pressures and a lack of clarity around expectations.
• More than a quarter (28%) say burnout comes from performance expectations.

“This level of burnout is problematic and could increase as millions of employees continue to work from home, and many schools remain unable to fully open,” said Melissa Jezior, president and CEO of Eagle Hill Consulting. “We’re in this pandemic for the long haul, and employers have got to find a way to make workloads sustainable for employees and better equip managers to lead. Otherwise, companies risk harming their bottom line and brand.”

Learn some tactics—such as diversifying worker tasks—that can help prevent burnout and keep your employees happy and productive.