Described as a “crisis at work”, Catalyst’s latest global report has revealed that 92% of workers are experiencing burnout from stress related to their workplace, Covid-19 work experiences, and/or their personal lives.
However, leaders and managers can mitigate burnout through remote and flexible work practices, confirmed Catalyst. In fact, access to remote work could help to improve employee wellbeing, as well as productivity, innovation and inclusion, noted the report. The data showed that when companies offer remote-work options – including a flexible work location, distributed teams and/or virtual work/telework/working from home – employees report a 26% decrease in workplace burnout compared to people who do not have remote-work access.
REMOTE WORK REDUCES BURNOUT
Workplace burnout drops 43% when employees have remote-work access and their managers demonstrate empathy, compared to people without remote-work access or empathic managers. These findings are critically important, particularly for women who suffered job losses and disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, according to Catalyst.
“Burnout leads to turnovers, but that can be mitigated by intentional remote and flexible work policies,” stated Catalyst President & CEO Lorraine Hariton. “Effectively implemented, remote and flexible work options for employees ultimately help organisations have access to more talent as well as increased innovation and productivity.”
The study also finds employees with remote-work access are 30% less likely to look for another job the following year, compared to people who do not have remote-work access. Additionally, women with childcare responsibilities are 32% less likely to leave their job when they have remote-work access, compared to women with childcare responsibilities who do not have access to remote work.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COMBAT BURNOUT
Unsurprisingly, the report noted that the current, “always-on” expectations at work are unsustainable. It therefore recommends the following solutions for managers/leaders to help combat burnout:
- Create remote-work policies that detail expectations for employees, managers and teams.
- Upskill managers on managing remote teams inclusively.
- Invest in programmes for employees who need additional childcare options.
- Normalise empathic listening through regular check-ins and other opportunities to share life and work experiences.
The study, Remote-Work Options Can Boost Productivity and Curb Burnout, surveyed nearly 7,500 employees across the globe. It is the first instalment of Catalyst’s Equity in the Future of Work research series.
Click here for more information about the report. Check out another report on why stressed and burnt out staff are prepared to take a pay cut for an ‘easier’ life, by clicking here.
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