Nearly half (45 per cent) of U.S. employees say they’ve experienced burnout, down from 58 per cent in August 2020, according to a new survey by Eagle Hill Consulting.
The survey, which polled more than 1,200 employees, found women (49 per cent) continued to report higher levels of burnout than men (41 per cent). Across generations, younger workers also continued to report the highest levels of burnout, with generation Z at 54 per cent and millennials at 52 per cent.
Respondents cited workload (51 per cent) as one of the top causes of their burnout, as well as staff shortages (42 per cent) and juggling personal and professional life (41 per cent). Among those who experienced burnout due to staff shortages, respondents said the impact is from covering the workload for unfilled positions (83 per cent), helping others learn their job (46 per cent) and training new hires (41 per cent).
Read: 57% of U.S. workers experiencing some level of burnout: survey
Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, workers have consistently noted the following remedies would alleviate their stress: a four-day workweek (69 per cent), increased flexibility (66 per cent), a decreased workload (63 per cent) and working from home (56 per cent).
“It’s important that employers pay attention to this chronically high level of burnout, along with employee views on causes and remedies,” said Melissa Jezior, president and chief executive officer of Eagle Hill Consulting, in a press release. “When workers are burned out, they’re less productive, engaged and innovative. And they’re more likely to walk out the door, especially in a tight labour market. Worker input gives us a roadmap for alleviating stress, and employers who take the cues to find solutions will have a competitive advantage.”