Burnout is one of the top trends that will shape the workplace this year, according to a recent story by CNBC. This proliferation is especially concerning in a tight labor market. Unemployment remains low, employers are experiencing increasing attrition, and the war on talent continues to wage — all while a recession looms.
Burnout is a multi-faceted beast, fed by toxic experiences like gaslighting. But it can be tamed. Let’s explore the many aspects of burnout in the workplace today, including its causes, impacts, and some potential remedies.
What causes burnout in today’s workplace?
I had the honor of interviewing Dr. Michelle McQuaid, best-selling author and workplace wellbeing expert, for my podcast. Dr. McQuaid is renowned for translating the latest research on positive psychology into practical actions that build resilience, performance, and happiness in the workplace.
McQuaid’s research with more than 1000 Australian workers last fall uncovered that 60 percent of workers sometimes or often feel burned out at work. The survey came on the heels of the new international standards around mental health and wellbeing in workplaces that Australia released in 2021. Called ISO 4503, this code of practices is becoming legislation in some states, meaning employers can now be fined if they are not taking the steps to identify and protect employees from experiencing certain dangers in the workplace that lead to burnout.