Survey: Stress, Burnout on the Rise as Workload Increases
Downsized staffs paired with increased workloads may be causing a rise in stress levels around the workplace. According to a CareerBuilder.com survey of more than 7,600 workers nationwide, 78 percent reported feeling burned out at work. Forty-six percent of workers said their workload has increased over the last six months and approximately the same percentage (45 percent) describe their current workload as heavy or too heavy. Close to a quarter (23 percent) of workers report they are dissatisfied with their current work/life balance.
More than half (54 percent) of workers said their companies offer some sort of flexible work arrangements to help manage stress levels and work/life balance and two-thirds indicated that they take advantage of at least one of the programs offered. If flexible schedules are not an option, Rosemary Haefner, vice president of Human Resources at CareerBuilder.com, offers the following advice for employees:
- Learn to say no;
- Get organized;
- Reevaluate your goals with your boss or supervisor to identify priorities and where your energy should be focused;
- Get plenty of rest, eat a healthy diet, and remember to exercise; and
- Take a break during the day.