A staggering 78.3% of gainfully employed Poles indicate they are experiencing at least one of fourteen surveyed symptoms of professional burnout. 15.6% deny it, while 6.1% can’t define themselves in this regard. Just three years ago, 65.3% of respondents noted some symptoms, indicating a rise of 13 percentage points. Currently, most people report long-term and intense sensations of fatigue or exhaustion and a lack of energy – 43.4%. In second place is a lack of job satisfaction and motivation to act – 25.2%, and in third – an increase in distance to work – 20.8%. Further down the ranking comes irritability and aversion to professional duties – 20.6%. The top five concludes with reduced efficiency – 20.1%.
According to a report from UCE RESEARCH and ePsycholodzy.pl, titled “Poles on the Verge of Professional Burnout,” 78.3% of working respondents see at least one of fourteen possible burnout symptoms. 15.6% of those surveyed do not perceive any of them, and 6.1% can’t define themselves in this matter. – It does not surprise me that this problem affects nearly 80% of respondents. The cause should be sought in the culture of stress, continuous deadlines, and constant pressure to perform – comments Michał Pajdak, one of the co-authors of the report from ePsycholodzy.pl.
This is a very alarming result, as highlighted by psychologist Michał Murgrabia, the second co-author of the report from ePsycholodzy.pl. – Severe and long-lasting symptoms can lead to serious health consequences and problems at work. It’s crucial to recognize them early enough and take action before they lead to burnout. For some, a consultation with a specialist will be indispensable – the expert believes.
The same study was conducted exactly three years ago. At that time, 65.3% of respondents spoke about the symptoms of professional burnout. 27% didn’t feel any of the symptoms, and 7.7% couldn’t define themselves in this matter. – A significant increase in the percentage of people with burnout symptoms indicates that the sense of uncertainty and stress among gainfully employed Poles has grown. It also shows that people are increasingly worried about their financial stability and future – notes Michał Murgrabia.
According to Michał Pajdak, the problem will continue to increase. – The contemporary way of life, especially in the era of remote work, makes the boundaries between private and professional life blur. Constant online availability and the need to respond to messages after work hours contribute to fatigue. Sleep deprivation, lack of exercise, insufficient breaks, or relaxation can drain psychological resources. Many people feel chronic fatigue as a result of trying to keep up with everything – warns the co-author of the study.
In addition, the expert adds, employers should take greater responsibility for maintaining a balance between the professional and private lives of their employees. – They can do this by introducing flexible working hours and limiting overtime, so employees have time to regenerate. Moreover, it is the employer’s role to encourage the use of holidays and regular breaks at work to prevent long-term overload. Business owners should plan tasks and goals rationally, delegate duties, rotate tasks – Michał Pajdak believes.
Of the 14 listed symptoms, the most frequently indicated was a long-lasting and severe sense of fatigue or exhaustion and a lack of energy, persisting despite rest, and unrelated to any disease – 43.4%. – This shows, that nearly half of gainfully employed Poles are overworked. Employers should take this into account and create conditions where employees can rest and take care of their health. The key is good work organization, and employees having space for regeneration, not only shortened work hours – says psychologist Michał Murgrabia.
In second place in this ranking is a lack of job satisfaction and motivation to act – 25.2%, and in the third – an increased distance to work – 20.8%. – All this could relate to low remuneration, lack of professional development or recognition from the employer. When employees feel undervalued, they begin to lose engagement, which in turn negatively affects the entire company. In the long term, this can lead to a mass exodus from jobs, which means additional costs for employers in terms of recruitment and training of new people – warns Michał Murgrabia.
Fourth place in the ranking goes to irritability and aversion to professional duties – 20.6%. Fifth is a decrease in efficiency in the profession – 20.1%. – These issues can lead to reduced standards, innovation, and work dynamics, as well as a higher turnover rate in companies. Professionally burned out employees often seek opportunities to change jobs to escape stressful conditions – emphasizes Michał Pajdak.
At the end of the ranking are difficulties in employee relations – 8.2%. Also, 8.3% of those surveyed perceive their work as pointless or are frustrated with professional duties. In addition, 9.9% dislike their work and don’t want to do it. – Although these issues concern smaller groups, they are still significant. They can lead to conflicts and a worsening of the atmosphere at work. Employers shouldn’t ignore them. It’s worth paying attention to them and taking action that will improve both relationships between employees and their sense of the purpose of their duties – concludes psychologist Michał Murgrabia, one of the co-authors of the report.
Research Method Description
The report entitled “Poles on the Verge of Professional Burnout” is based on a special survey conducted using the CAWI (Computer Assisted Web Interview) method on a sample of over 1008 adult and working Poles. The authors of the report are experts from the analytical research platform UCE RESEARCH and ePsycholodzy.pl platform.
Source: https://managerplus.pl/blisko-80-polakow-doswiadcza-symptomow-wypalenia-zawodowego-alarmujace-wyniki-badania-34059
