Layoffs are the most stressful experience for employees, and this emotional strain can easily lead to Burnout!
Nicolas BEHBAHANI
Global People Analytics & HR Data Leader - People & Culture | Strategical People Analytics Design
?? Reflecting the rise in worker burnout, employees are more likely to report a decline in their well-being in 2024 compared to 2023.
?? Layoffs, or People shortages, remain the most stressful aspect of their jobs, inevitably causing anxiety for company leaders as well.
?? Interestingly, only 10% of employees are concerned about being laid off in the next year, despite job security being a top motivator for staying in a position.
?? Benefits and pay continue to dominate as the primary reasons employees join and remain with a company, according to a new interesting research published by Grant Thornton (US) using data ?? from 1,500 full-time employees of U.S. companies.
?Causes of current job burnout
Researchers discovered that the top causes of employee burnout were mental and emotional stress followed by long hours. While worker shortages can contribute to long hours, the increase in mental and emotional stress as a cause of burnout is a concern because, for many reasons, this increase could be due to factors outside businesses’ control.
?Employee well-being has deteriorated
Researchers have observed a decline in well-being among US employees this year. While well-being is not solely influenced by workplace stressors and can be significantly affected by external factors, a decrease in employees’ overall sense of well-being, particularly their mental health, should be a major concern for employers.
?Layoff top concern for US employees
Researchers have discovered that layoffs are the most significant source of stress for employees within an organization, inevitably causing anxiety for company leaders too.
Interestingly, relatively fixed factors like
1?? Commuting,
2?? work relationships, and
3?? job insecurity are lower on the stress scale.
However, the fact that poor communication ranks as the second-highest stressor is revealing, as it highlights a fundamental workplace necessity that businesses have the power to improve.
Finally, researchers offer five key recommendations for leaders to combat burnout and empower their teams to achieve organizational goals:
?? Address Workforce Shortages: Tackling workforce shortages is one effective way for leaders to empower their teams and meet organizational objectives.
?? Acknowledge Mental Health and Wellness: Leaders should recognize the importance of mental health and wellness, engaging in a deeper understanding of these challenges. While there are no easy solutions, progress must be measured over time.
?? Recognize Employee Pressures: It’s crucial to acknowledge the financial, political, and socioeconomic pressures employees face, and to create a safe space for open discussion.
?? Support Leaders with Empathy: Leaders need support in navigating these challenges, which often require individual interactions and a dose of empathy.
?? Champion Transparent Communication: Promoting transparent communication helps foster a sense of connection and trust between employees and the organization.
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This insightful research revealed that tackling burnout is essential, as it significantly influences an organization’s capacity to attract, motivate, and retain talent. Also getting compensation right has always been a challenge, and we know that benefit offerings and their value can differ by employee.
Researchers emphasize that leaders should foster a healthy work environment by regulating employee work hours and ensuring they can disconnect. It’s vital for leaders to be empowered to support employees during stressful times, as managing workplace stress requires a different approach than addressing burnout.
??Thank you Grant Thornton (US) researchers team for sharing these insightful findings:
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2 天前?I completely agree with the emphasis on transparent communication and addressing workforce shortages as critical steps. Leaders who prioritize mental health and foster a culture of empathy can make a profound impact. This is also a part of our job here with AlbiCoins
A Human and NOT a Resource | Certified HR Analyst | ESTJ |People and culture | Start up mindset |Data Analytics | Views and Opinions expressed are of my own|
2 天前Nicolas BEHBAHANI - Thanks for sharing this research. This is an eye opening research for many who consider getting the same job done by lesser number of team members to get accolades on cost optimisation. While observing the data comparison between 2023 and 2024, ~10% delta is reflecting in first four parameters in the stress scale and all of them are interlinked. Employee shortage creates work loads on the existing manpower which compels them to slog long hours. Long hours imbalance work life balance and resulting into burnout! A very timely apt research when layoffs have been happening all across the globe. Thanks again for sharing!
Human Resource Professional | MBA | Coporate Recruiting Professional- ASA | Ex-Wirtgen Group,A John Deere Company
2 天前Very informative research! An often-overlooked aspect is how systemic workplace design can play a pivotal role in reducing burnout over time. Prioritizing mental health and well-being as core operational principles is essential. Initiatives like designated well-being days, where employees can take guilt-free time to recharge, demonstrate that such programs are not mere perks—they are strategic investments in long-term sustainability and performance. The findings highlighting poor communication as a significant stressor serve as a clear call to action. Transparent communication should be ingrained at every level of the organization, not just seen as a leader’s responsibility. The key takeaway for leaders? The future of work isn’t just about addressing immediate challenges but fostering resilience through systemic changes—whether through flexible work arrangements, proactive mental health initiatives, or cultivating a culture of empathy and open dialogue. These strategies are more than a response to burnout; they are a roadmap for building thriving organizations. Thank you for sharing!
LinkedIn Top Voices in Company Culture USA & Canada I Executive Advisor | HR Leader (CHRO) | Leadership Coach | Talent Strategy | Change Leadership | Innovation Culture | Healthcare | Higher Education
3 天前Thank you for sharing Nicolas BEHBAHANI
Future of Work | High Performance Remote Teams
3 天前This research is a stark reminder of just how critical it is for leaders to address burnout and stress in the workplace—especially in the wake of layoffs, which continue to be a top stressor for employees. As we see more workers report a decline in well-being, it's clear that leadership must take proactive steps to build a supportive and transparent environment.