Overcoming Year-End Burnout: Strategies for a Fresh Start
Frog Recruitment
Grow your career or team with Frog Recruitment in 2025. Award-winning agency delivering expert recruitment across NZ.
As the end of the year approaches, the familiar signs of fatigue and burnout become increasingly apparent in the workplace. Studies have consistently shown that burnout impacts not only an employee's well-being but also overall organizational productivity. According to recent findings from the World Health Organization, burnout is characterized by feelings of exhaustion, increased mental distance from one’s job, and reduced professional efficacy. In fact, a recent poll conducted by Frog Recruitment revealed that more professionals are feeling burnt out now than at the beginning of the year.
Year-end fatigue is compounded by various factors. At the start of the year, employees often feel rejuvenated after the holiday season, setting goals and embracing new challenges with enthusiasm. However, as the months progress, energy levels decline due to continuous workload demands, personal responsibilities, and the pressure to complete year-end projects. Additionally, lingering uncertainties from economic fluctuations and post-pandemic adjustments in work routines contribute to increased stress levels. High workloads often ramp up towards the end of the year as teams push to meet deadlines and finalize projects before the holiday break. This pressure coincides with personal responsibilities, such as preparing for holiday celebrations, which can create a perfect storm for stress and exhaustion.
The impact of change, especially in recent years, has also played a role. Adjustments to work structures, hybrid models, and evolving expectations have brought both benefits and challenges. While some employees thrive in adaptable settings, others may struggle with the ongoing shifts and uncertainty. The accumulation of these factors throughout the year often leaves workers depleted, making it difficult to maintain performance and well-being.
“It’s about finding that balance and managing it before reaching the end-of-year slump.”
In a recent NZ Market Update, Frog Recruitment NZ Managing Director, Shannon Barlow , was joined by CEO at Workplace Wellbeing, Jo Fife, to provide valuable insights into why addressing burnout early is essential. “The problem with pushing through burnout,” Jo emphasized, “is that the minute you actually stop and have a break, you often get sick. The first part of your holiday is spent exhausted, not feeling well, and unable to fully engage in your time off.” This highlights the importance of maintaining energy levels throughout the year to ensure that time off... [ Read full insights on Frog Recruitment's Website ]
Dry Promotions in the Workplace: Strategic Tool or Risky Business?
In the evolving landscape of workplace management, the concept of dry promotions has become a topic of significant discussion. Dry promotions involve assigning employees new responsibilities and a heavier workload without a corresponding salary increase. Although this practice can yield strategic benefits for employers, it comes with substantial risks, particularly concerning employee satisfaction and retention.
Recent data indicates a notable rise in dry promotions across Australian workplaces. In 2018, only 8% of employers reported using dry promotions. Fast forward to recent years, and that figure has climbed to over 13%. This increase highlights a growing trend as organizations seek to balance budget constraints with the need to develop and assess internal talent.
Employers often view dry promotions as a strategic way to evaluate an employee's readiness for leadership roles without the immediate financial commitment. By doing so, businesses can manage resources more efficiently while helping employees build confidence and new skills. However, these benefits must be weighed against the potential downsides, including employee dissatisfaction, reduced morale, and higher turnover rates.
“We’re seeing increased resentment and demotivation when these promotions don’t come with tangible rewards.”
During our recent Australia Market Update, people2people Victoria Director Liz Punshon shed light on this critical issue, emphasizing both the strategic considerations and potential repercussions of dry promotions. “While dry promotions can be a useful tool for resource management,” Liz pointed out, “it’s essential to understand how they impact employee morale and motivation. We’re seeing increased resentment and demotivation when these promotions don’t come with tangible rewards... [ Read full insights here ]
Did you miss it?
Find the job you love with Frog Recruitment
Every Friday, Frog Recruitment produces an employment and job seeker market update live on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, X, and Instagram to talk all things recruitment. Hosted by NZ Managing Director Shannon Barlow for the latest insights into the employment and job seeker markets. Explore our hot jobs across New Zealand and some exciting opportunities abroad in Australia and the United Kingdom.
Joined weekly by one of our recruitment consultants across New Zealand, we cover a range of different topics along the career journey and provide expert advice and insights to help you get the job you love.
Location: Mt Wellington, Auckland
Salary: $60,000 - $62,000
Contract Type: Full Time
Location: Auckland, Auckland
Salary: $26.44 per hour
Contract Type: Temporary
Find the job you love abroad
people2people and Frog Recruitment can help you secure work across 10 offices in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
We have permanent, temporary, and contract jobs in Adelaide, Auckland, Brisbane, London, Melbourne, Parramatta, Perth, Sydney, and Wellington.
We can help you find the job you love - across the globe.
Interested in learning more about securing work for your working holiday visa? Fill out the form and one of our recruitment experts will get in touch to help you kick off your new career.
Location: Melbourne CBD, Victoria
Salary: $38 - $45 per hour
Working Holiday Country: Australia
Location: Melbourne CBD, Victoria
Salary: $80,000 - $95,000
Working Holiday Country: Australia
Location: London
Salary: ￡35,000 - ￡40,000
Working Holiday Country: United Kingdom