Employee burnout is a reality that has plagued the workplace for years. Against the backdrop of a global health crisis, the number of employees “hitting the wall” is rising fast. The COVID-19 crisis has effectively blurred lines between our professional and personal lifves. People have been thrown into multiple job roles – teachers, home keepers and doing their jobs. Other causes of burnout include a lack of communication, feedback and support; time pressures and a lack of clarity around expectations; and performance expectations.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy US$1 trillion per year in lost productivity. The emotional toll from the coronavirus pandemic will likely increase that cost in 2020 exponentially. WHO also estimated that for every US$1 put into scaled up treatment for common mental disorders, there is a return of US$4 in improved health and productivity.
Maintaining a business-as-usual attitude during a global pandemic isn’t a sustainable option for organisations. Leaders who provide more support for their teams are more likely to retain happier, more productive and more engaged employees, which is better for business overall. We’re in this pandemic for the long haul. It’s time to rethink burnout. How are you manging your workplace and employee wellbeing during COVID-19?
