CEO AdvisoHR | Are you exhausted?

Dear CEO

As we wrap up the holiday season and dive into planning for 2025, it’s clear that many of us—leaders and employees alike—are feeling exhausted.

We are living in an era of hyperconnectivity where the boundary between work and personal life has blurred, making it increasingly difficult for people to disconnect and recharge.

The Reality of Exhaustion in the Workplace

Studies have shown that hyperconnectivity and the overuse of technology are major contributors to employee exhaustion. For instance, research published in the Journal of Business Economics highlights how daily exposure to technology stressors, such as constant email alerts and digital overload, significantly contribute to burnout and work exhaustion. Additionally, a study from Emerald Insight found that technostress—caused by digital overload, complexity, insecurity, and uncertainty—depletes employees’ emotional and physical resources, leading to increased exhaustion. These findings underscore the importance of managing digital stressors in the workplace to safeguard employee well-being(

SpringerLink

Emerald

7 Strategies to Combat Exhaustion in Your Organization

To help mitigate exhaustion and create a healthier work environment, here are seven practical strategies that you can implement:

• Promote Digital Detox Times:

Action: Establish clear boundaries for after-hours communication and encourage employees to disconnect from work outside of office hours. Implement "email-free" times during weekends or evenings.

Role of HR: HR can lead by setting policies that discourage out-of-hours work and promote a culture where downtime is respected.

• Implement Flexible Work Arrangements:

Action: Allow employees to choose their work hours or work remotely if it helps them manage their energy better. Flexibility can reduce stress and increase job satisfaction.

Role of HR: Design flexible work policies that are adaptable and meet the needs of different roles within the organization.

• Encourage Regular Breaks and Time Off:

Action: Promote taking regular breaks during the workday and using vacation time without the guilt of being always “on.”

Role of HR: Ensure managers lead by example, taking their breaks and vacations, and openly support their teams to do the same.

• Create a Culture of Well-being:

Action: Invest in mental health resources, such as mindfulness programs, wellness workshops, and access to counseling services.

Role of HR: Develop and communicate well-being programs tailored to the needs of your workforce, ensuring they are accessible and promoted regularly.

• Redesign Workloads and Set Realistic Expectations:

Action: Regularly assess workloads and redistribute tasks to prevent burnout. Set realistic deadlines that do not compromise employee well-being.

Role of HR: Facilitate workload assessments and help managers prioritize tasks effectively, ensuring employees are not overwhelmed.

• Foster Social Connections:

Action: Encourage team bonding activities, virtual coffee breaks, or in-person gatherings to build a sense of community and reduce isolation.

Role of HR: Organize regular social events, both virtual and in-person, that help employees connect beyond work tasks.

• Leverage Technology Wisely:

Action: Use technology to automate routine tasks but avoid overloading employees with unnecessary tech tools. Evaluate which digital platforms truly add value.

Role of HR: Provide training on efficient use of technology and continuously assess the digital tools used by employees, removing those that contribute to technostress.

The Role of HR Leaders

HR leaders play a critical role in recognizing the signs of exhaustion and implementing these strategies effectively. By being proactive, setting the tone, and advocating for employee well-being, HR can help cultivate a healthier and more sustainable work environment.

The Cost of Ignoring Exhaustion

Exhaustion has a direct impact on organizational outcomes, from reduced productivity and increased absenteeism to higher turnover rates. Companies like Microsoft and Google have already recognized this, implementing flexible work arrangements and investing heavily in employee well-being initiatives to combat burnout. Addressing exhaustion is not just about maintaining productivity; it's about creating an environment where employees can thrive, innovate, and contribute to the company’s long-term success.

Let’s take these steps together to ensure our teams are energized, motivated, and ready to face the challenges of 2025.

Regards,

Helder Figueiredo

HR Leader & Employee Well-being Advocate

Sources:

• Understanding technostress and employee well-being
• Information technology as a daily stressor: causes of burnout