Trina Casey-Myatt
Casey-Myatt talks about the trend and why it’s happening, who is being affected, what employees can do to feel less burnt out, what managers can do, and the impact this is having on the labour market.
- Heavy workloads (54 per cent)
- Lack of communication and support from management (29 per cent)
- Toxic organizational culture (26 per cent)
Those with the highest burnout levels include:
- Gen Z and millennials
- Employees who have been with their company for 2-4 years
- Working parents
“Burnout is a serious issue that needs to be combatted with ongoing efforts”, said David King, Senior Managing Director, Robert Half, Canada and South America. “Though many companies have made strides in supporting employee well-being, it’s clear that there is work to be done, and many teams are still stretched thin. This pressure may be exacerbated right now as some businesses are hesitant to bring on new staff, while maintaining their project load.”
The research shows more must be done to promote a healthy workplace culture. Nearly four in 10 professionals (39 per cent) feel uneasy about expressing feelings of burnout with their manager. Further, 23 per cent said their manager hasn’t taken steps to help them alleviate work-related stress. Those who are receiving support have been:
- Encouraged to take time off (22 per cent)
- Provided greater schedule flexibility (17 per cent)
- Given guidance on prioritizing projects (16 per cent)
Work breaks are essential for restoring energy and focus and preventing burnout. While 32 per cent of professionals plan to use more vacation days this summer compared to last summer, 20 per cent still feel they can’t take time off, either because they have too much work or worry it will impact their job security. Another 18 per cent of employees will be checking in with work frequently when on vacation.
“Employees are happier, more productive, and less at risk of burnout when they have had the chance to properly unplug and find balance in their personal and professional lives,” added King. “Managers should be modeling good behaviours in this area, and setting realistic expectations, while encouraging their teams to take time off, and truly disconnect.”
The online survey was developed by Robert Half and conducted by an independent research firm. It includes responses from more than 1,132 workers 18 years of age or older in finance, technology, marketing and creative, legal, administrative and customer support, and human resources at companies with 20 or more employees in Canada (conducted May 4-26, 2023).
Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions and business consulting firm that connects people with meaningful work and provides companies with the talent and subject matter expertise they need to confidently compete and grow. Visit roberthalf.ca and download the company’s award-winning mobile app.
Mario Toneguzzi
(Mario Toneguzzi is Managing Editor of Canada’s Podcast. He has more than 40 years of experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He worked for 35 years at the Calgary Herald, covering sports, crime, politics, health, faith, city and breaking news, and business. He works as well as a freelance writer for several national publications and as a consultant in communications and media relations/training. Mario wa
s named in 2021 as one of the Top 10 Business Journalists in the World by PR News – the only Canadian to make the list)
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