Risk managers say burnout is a critical threat for organisations - how to tackle it

Risk managers are warning that mental health issues are a critical threat facing organisations today.

In particular, employee burnout due to crisis fatigue is mounting, with 80% of risk experts saying this will likely have a significant impact on their business and employees this year, according to research from International SOS.

The Risk Outlook 2024 also shows that managing mental health issues is not straighfoward - around two-thirds of surveyed professionals anticipate increased complexity in ensuring the health, wellbeing and security of their workforces this year, a higher proportion than any other time in the past five years.

But with 72% saying stress is likely to have a negative impact on the business, organisations must urgently take steps to proactively address the causes of burnout among their employees.

A mental health crisis

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.

This convergence of crises has fuelled a state of permacrisis, where the traditional cycle of crisis and recovery is replaced by a continuous state of flux and uncertainty.

Prolonged exposure to crises contributes to a rise in employee burnout, characterised by feelings of emotional exhaustion and reduced productivity.

With the possibility of future pandemics and other unforeseen events, employers need to transition from reactive crisis management to proactive preparedness.

“These challenges have propelled employees into uncharted territory, where the lines between professional and personal wellbeing blur.”

This shift is crucial to mitigate the negative effects of both permacrisis and burnout within the workforce.

Dr Kate O’Reilly, regional medical director at International SOS, highlights the gravity of the situation.

She says: “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.”

How to tackle the threats

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.