Risk of employee burnout surges in 2024
Source: Middle East Insurance Review | Apr 2024
About 82% of employees globally are at risk of burnout this year but only half of the employers design work with well-being in mind according to the 2024 Global Talent Trends report published by Mercer.
The HR consulting firm Mercer’s new annual report published in March 2024 revealed that a burnout epidemic is hitting offices across the world and despite increased awareness about the issue, a majority of employers are not establishing a work culture that prioritises employee well-being.
The global survey found that more than eight out of 10 employees are at risk of burnout this year, and about 43% of that group cited financial strain as a contributing factor, while 40% cited exhaustion and 37% said they were struggling with an excessive workload.
Mercer knowledge and insights global leader Kate Bravery said, “We are heading in the wrong direction, especially in the US. What we’re doing today is not having a material impact on physical or mental health. And that’s really worrying.”
The report says that less than half of employers design work with well-being in mind and less than a third of employers believe that failing to invest in reducing employee burnout will expose them to considerable risk this year.
The study found that in 2023, trust in employers fell from an all-time high in 2022 – a red flag, since the research shows that trust has a major impact on employees’ energy, sense of thriving and intent to stay. Those who trust their employers to do the right thing for them and society are twice as likely to say they are thriving, with a strong sense of purpose, belonging and feeling valued.
According to the findings of the study nearly half of employees say they want to work for an organisation they can be proud of, and some companies are responding by prioritising sustainability efforts and ‘good work’ principles. M