International SOS warns of ‘burnout epidemic’

International SOS has warned of a “burnout epidemic” that employers must address by transitioning from reactive crisis management to proactive preparedness.

The call for action follows the annual survey of risk management experts by the health and security services firm, which revealed that 80% of respondents believe mounting stress from the polycrisis will likely have a significant impact on their business and employees this year.

The survey, conducted for the Risk Outlook 2024 Report, also finds that 72% of respondents believe mental health issues will likely have a significant impact.

Some 75% feel employees have higher expectations about Duty of Care than ever before, highlighting how issues like burnout and mental fatigue are now more often seen as an organisation’s responsibility to manage. But the report reveals that around two-thirds of risk professionals anticipate that ensuring the health, wellbeing and security of their workforces will be more difficult this year, a higher proportion than any other time in the past five years.

The report says that the cumulative impact of ongoing crises, coupled with personal stressors such as rising living costs, concerns about climate change and political polarisation, has significantly impacted individual wellbeing.

International SOS says this has fuelled a state of permacrisis, where the traditional cycle of crisis and recovery is replaced by a continuous state of flux and uncertainty. This prolonged exposure to crises is contributing to a rise in employee burnout that demands employers transition from reactive crisis management to proactive preparedness, it adds. The company believes this shift is crucial to mitigate the negative effects of both the permacrisis and burnout within the workforce.

Dr Kate O’Reilly, regional medical director at International SOS, said: “The current landscape presents a concerning trend of burnout permeating workplaces globally. We are observing a convergence of factors, including increased workloads, a lack of work-life balance and a climate of constant change and unpredictability. These challenges have propelled employees into uncharted territory, where the lines between professional and personal wellbeing blur.”

“The prevalence of burnout brings organisations to a critical juncture demanding immediate attention. Employers must recognise the significance of this issue and implement preventive measures to mitigate its effects. This requires a deep understanding of the root causes and precursors of burnout, followed by a focus on job design and fostering a work environment that prioritises employees’ holistic wellbeing and sustainable performance,” she added.

International SOS recommends the following measures to help manage workforce burnout:

Recognise the signs: Implement regular check-ins with employees to gauge their wellbeing and identify early signs of burnout. Train managers to recognise signs of burnout and provide them with resources to support their teams effectively. Encourage open dialogue about mental health and destigmatise seeking help for stress-related issues.

Proactive measures: Take proactive steps to address burnout by providing access to mental health support programmes, including counselling services or employee assistance programmes. Organise stress management workshops to equip employees with coping strategies and resilience-building techniques.

Enhance resilience: Foster a culture of resilience within the organisation by promoting work-life balance. Provide resources for employees to seek support if needed. Establish clear protocols for managing stress-related absences and create a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their challenges.

Strategic planning: Develop comprehensive crisis management plans that specifically address burnout and stress-related challenges. Include protocols for managing workload distribution during times of increased stress and establish mechanisms for monitoring and addressing employee wellbeing.

Collaborative efforts: Foster collaboration with external experts and organisations to leverage their expertise in addressing burnout and supporting employee well-being. Share best practices and learnings to collectively strengthen resilience and enhance support systems.