Recent research from Lockton People Solutions Ireland unveiled the rampant rate of employee burnout in Ireland, with an alarming seven out of ten workers (70%) claiming to have battled the condition at some point in their career. Three out of ten people stated that they have definitely suffered from burnout, and another quarter (26%) claimed to have gone through it without even knowing there was a term for it. Additionally, 14% reported to be currently experiencing symptoms of the condition.
The World Health Organisation classifies burnout as a syndrome, characterized by the long-term stress in the workplace that leads to poor health. It occurs when a person feels exhausted, stressed, and worn out from being in a state of constant overwhelm as a result of not managing workplace stress effectively. It has physical, mental, emotional, and psychological effects.
According to the iReach survey of roughly 700 people employed in Ireland, women were twice as likely as men to have definitely experienced burnout (39% of women versus 20% of men), and the largest group to have gone through it were those aged between 35-44 (38%). Additionally, only one third of people said that they rarely work through their lunch break, and the rest claimed to do so with varying frequency.
Ray McKenna, partner of Lockton People Solutions Ireland, commented on the survey results: “We know that work patterns have shifted from what they were a couple of years ago, and will likely continue to evolve. Employers in Ireland must take a careful and planned approach to occupational burnout, as it is their responsibility to look after their staff and maintain their well-being. This could mean a review of how people work and the types of benefits employers provide to accommodate the changing workforce.”
Furthermore, Mr McKenna added that “well-designed workplace wellness programmes can help to address and prevent burnout, and be able to support changing needs and retirement patterns.”
