Employee burnout is common in nearly a third (30%) of UK organisations, according to HR directors questioned by recruiter Robert Half.
The percentage of HR directors reporting burnout issues in their organisations rises to 35% for those based in London and the South East and publicly listed companies. Burnout can be a particular problem for finance professionals as the fiscal year end approaches, since it is accompanied by a barrage of additional workload and stress.
Two-thirds (67%) of UK HR directors cite ‘workload’ as the primary reason for employee burnout, with this rising to three-quarters (75%) for large companies. More than half (56%) cite ‘overtime/long working hours’ as the secondary reason, followed by ‘unachievable expectations’ (35%), ‘economic pressures’ (32%) and ‘inability to balance personal and professional commitments’ (27%).
Phil Sheridan, managing director of Robert Half UK, said: “Employee burnout can affect almost any professional, from top boss to rank and file employee. Many employees who have been tackling increased workloads while putting in long hours are beginning to lose their motivation at work and this is particularly challenging for accounting teams as they prepare for fiscal year end.”
Sally Percy is editor of The Treasurer