Burnout & mental health in a post-pandemic workplace.
Thanks to COVID 19, the rapid shift to remote work came with plenty of growing pains. Many people had to master new technologies almost overnight, juggle blurred boundaries between home and work life, and adapt to changing roles and expectations. For others, job losses and altered working conditions added another layer of stress. No matter the circumstance, it’s safe to say the past few years have left their mark on everyone’s well-being.
The rise of workplace burnout.
The World Health Organization defines burnout as a condition caused by prolonged workplace stress, leading to exhaustion, reduced motivation, and a decline in professional performance. Unfortunately, it’s now become a shared experience for many.
Recent surveys reveal that around three in four employees have experienced burnout, with nearly half saying it happened during the pandemic. Extended or blurred work hours, uncertainty, and constant digital connection have only made things worse.
What’s even more concerning is that many employees don’t feel supported. Only about one in five workers say they’ve had open conversations with HR about their stress or mental health, while over half report that their workplace doesn’t encourage such discussions.
Mental health takes a hit.
Before the pandemic, only a small percentage of workers reported poor mental health. Now, those numbers have more than tripled. Financial pressure, changing job expectations, and the general uncertainty of the world have all contributed to rising stress levels.
The top causes of stress remain familiar:
- Health concerns for themselves and their families.
- Financial insecurity.
- Current events and global instability.
- Heavy workloads and job uncertainty.
How employers & workplaces can make a difference.
Work and mental health are deeply connected. Around 76% of employees say workplace stress directly impacts their mental health, often leading to anxiety or depression. However, there are clear steps employers can take to create a healthier environment.
Flexible scheduling is at the top of the list. More than half of surveyed employees said having greater flexibility would significantly improve their wellbeing. Other popular measures include:
- Encouraging regular time off or “mental health days”.
- Offering access to wellness programs like meditation, nutrition, or yoga sessions.
- Hosting webinars that open up the conversation around mental health.
- Offering flexible work arrangements such as not a strict 9am – 5pm—especially for employees with families.
Practical tips to avoid burnout.
While businesses play a crucial role, individuals can also take steps to protect their mental health and avoid burnout—whether working remotely or back in the office.
- Set boundaries: Have a clear start and finish to your workday, and create a dedicated workspace you can physically leave behind. This is also true for remote work.
- Switch off after hours: Mute work emails and notifications once you clock off. Your downtime is important and valuable.
- Prioritise personal time: Schedule hobbies and social activities that help you recharge.
- Negotiate flexibility: If possible, discuss flexible work arrangements that suit both your lifestyle and productivity.
- Stay focused during work hours: Avoid multitasking between work and home duties. Staying efficient during the day makes it easier to log off completely at night.
Make mental health initiative a part of your business plan & budget.
Investing in your team’s mental health and sustainable growth isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart business decision. By building dedicated support and wellbeing initiatives into your annual budget, you’re proactively creating the conditions for higher productivity, improved retention and reduced downtime.
At Ascent Accountants, we help you build those strategies into your financial plan with tailored budgeting, forecasting and KPI-tracking to support both your people and your bottom line.
Let’s partner up to turn your growth ambitions into real outcomes. Check out our Business Growth Services and see how we can help you embed the investment in wellbeing right alongside profit and performance. Then, when you’re ready, contact us.
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