September 14 marks the Fight Against Burnout Day, which serves as a reminder of the importance of mental well-being at work. The topic of workplace well-being is gaining popularity, but according to the latest survey by Hays Poland, discussing this issue does not always lead to concrete actions. A staggering 29% of Polish specialists and managers report experiencing burnout syndrome.
Chronic fatigue, deterioration in mental and physical health, loss of motivation, and excessive irritability are just some of the symptoms of burnout. This can be a long-term ordeal that affects not only work performance but also relationships and overall life satisfaction. Companies are becoming increasingly aware of this threat, and with this awareness comes the need for greater support for employees facing these challenges.
The Problem of Burnout Exists and Should Not Be Overlooked
Special days such as the Fight Against Burnout Day and the recent Global Wellbeing Day draw employers’ attention to mental health in the workplace, leading to temporary intensification of internal discussions on the topic. However, it is an issue that should be remembered every day, which is not always the case. The latest Hays Poland survey, conducted between August and September 2024 among nearly 1,000 specialists and managers, reveals that 29% of professionals struggle with burnout syndrome.
Burnout can stem from several factors. The most common include prolonged, excessive stress, feelings of pressure, and too much responsibility.
– Key causes of burnout also include the realities of today’s work environment. These include overwhelming pressure, a fast work pace, and business uncertainty. Employees’ mental well-being can also be disrupted by developing technologies and remote work, which have blurred the line between private and professional life. Long-term, intense work under pressure can cause even highly engaged and passionate individuals to reach their limits. Therefore, burnout can affect anyone, notes Agnieszka Czarnecka, HR Consultancy Manager for Central and Eastern Europe at Hays.
As the expert highlights, burnout can also result from monotony, lack of development opportunities, demotivating responsibilities, and improperly set goals that do not align with an employee’s capabilities and ambitions.
The survey shows that while 53% of professionals do not feel burnout, another 18% are uncertain. This significant percentage should signal that the topic of mental health needs more attention in the workplace.
– Any concerning symptoms should be addressed and normalized so that individuals potentially suffering from burnout can recognize these signs and take appropriate action, adds Agnieszka Czarnecka, Hays expert.
Employers Have a Role to Play
Burnout is a significant problem, but there are many ways to address it. According to the Hays survey, the most effective solution to combating burnout is changing jobs (41% of responses). A new environment and a “fresh start” in one’s career can often help. However, not everyone is ready to take such a radical step, which is why 31% of respondents believe that employer support is a good solution.
– Reducing workload, increasing work flexibility, encouraging employees to take time off, setting new goals, or simply having regular conversations and offering words of support are just a few of the actions employers can take to help burned-out employees. Meeting employees’ needs and introducing temporary changes can allow them to catch their breath, feel more satisfied and secure, or create space to seek professional help. While this may not always solve the problem, employers should not hesitate to make changes when working with burned-out employees, says Agnieszka Czarnecka.
Employee loyalty and satisfaction can also be enhanced by employers offering benefits such as access to psychological care or coaching and mentoring sessions. This is supported by survey responses, with 28% and 23% of professionals respectively believing that psychotherapy and coaching are effective in combating burnout.
What do you think is effective in combating burnout?
| Changing jobs | 41% |
| Employer support | 31% |
| Psychotherapy | 28% |
| Coaching support | 23% |
| Extended sick leave | 14% |
| Hard to say | 18% |
Percentages do not add up to 100, as multiple answers were allowed.
Source: Hays Poland survey, August-September 2024
It’s also important to note that in extreme exhaustion cases, employees should prioritize their health by taking time off or going on sick leave. Taking a break from the business environment not only helps rebuild the energy needed for work but also allows employees to focus fully on improving their mental health. In fact, 14% of respondents believe that extended sick leave is effective in combating burnout.
Much More Work to Be Done
There are many ways to combat burnout, and professionals believe direct employer support is important and effective. However, many survey respondents feel that companies still pay too little attention to employee mental well-being. The largest group, 42%, believes that companies do nothing in this regard.
– Burnout is just one of the mental health challenges employees face. Often, difficulties also involve relationships or feelings of isolation within the team, or they may stem from non-work-related issues like depression or anxiety disorders. While companies cannot control how employees manage these issues in their private lives, they can and should support team members in the workplace. Sometimes, it takes very little, says Agnieszka Czarnecka from Hays.
Do you believe companies take care of employees’ mental well-being?
| Yes | 25% |
| No | 42% |
| Hard to say | 33% |
Source: Hays Poland survey, August-September 2024
Open communication, professional support programs, regular mental health workshops, mentoring, and developing managers’ empathy and emotional intelligence – this is how it should be. However, in reality, only 25% of respondents believe that organizations take care of their employees’ mental well-being. Another third are unsure, suggesting that while some actions are being taken, their effectiveness is not always clearly perceived by professionals.
To best support employees’ mental health, it is crucial to regularly assess their expectations, needs, and daily challenges.
Source: https://ceo.com.pl/blisko-30-proc-specjalistow-odczuwa-wypalenie-zawodowe-92211
