According to a recent survey from Aflac, burnout levels have increased since the pandemic and are now worse for many workers than during the pandemic itself.
As the world longs to return to a sense of normalcy after the pandemic, many workers are finding themselves struggling with burnout. The Aflac survey notes that burnout is at an all-time high because of the blurring of work and personal life boundaries. With many employees still remote, it has become difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance. The lack of actual physical separation between one's work and home can make it challenging for workers to disconnect from work to relax, leading to burnout.
Another factor contributing to burnout is the pressure to keep up with the increased workload brought on by the pandemic. Many businesses are still trying to recover from pandemic-related financial losses and have had to downsize their workforce. This has resulted in employees being asked to take on more responsibilities and longer hours, which causes extreme stress over time.
Furthermore, the Aflac survey says that the constant changes in the work environment, such as shifting deadlines, changing priorities, and evolving technologies have also contributed to burnout. These days, everything is moving at a pace more rapidly than many workers are used to – especially technological advances. Employees who feel overwhelmed by these quick changes may experience stress and anxiety, which ends in burnout.
To combat burnout, the survey says, employers must take steps to make a healthy work-life balance a priority. This could involve providing flexible work arrangements, such as flexible schedules or remote work options, or requiring that all employees log off at a certain time each day. Clear communication about job expectations, responsibilities, and deadlines can help employees feel more in control and reduce their stress levels. And lastly, employers could also offer mental health resources such as counseling or therapy services from licensed professionals.
