Within manufacturing, 41% of employees felt close to burnout, with 22% feeling just a week or less away from burning out. Almost two-thirds (64%) of those working in the manufacturing sector have also worked more hours throughout the pandemic, leading to 22% now wanting a career break due to the pressures felt throughout the pandemic.
People who have been working from home for the last 18 months are also more likely to feel at risk of burnout (50%) than those who have been going to the workplace (41%).
Dave Capper, CEO at Westfield Health, commented: “The findings from our research paint a worrying picture about the toll the pandemic has taken on workers’ mental health. With nearly two thirds (62%) of employees working more hours during the pandemic and one in five (19%) working an extra five to 10 hours a week, it’s not surprising that burnout is on the horizon for so many.
“There’s a real immediacy to this issue; one in four say they’re less than a week from burnout, and more than half of workers are threatening to vote with their feet and find roles that value and protect their mental health.”
The spotlight is now on employers to ensure they are looking after their workers’ wellbeing.
“This shift in looking after wellbeing hasn’t just surfaced due to added workload; the pandemic has made many people change their priorities”, Dave continues.
“Our research reflects this. Over half (53%) have stated that job security, better pay (53%) and wellbeing support (47%) are now more important to them than they were pre-pandemic.
“Meeting these needs is important for personal wellbeing. We all have our own values and goals and if our workplace does not help us meet them, it negatively impacts our happiness, sense of achievement and mental health, all of which can lead to employees leaving or feeling burnt out.”
The research suggests that the top three things to prevent employees from switching/leaving their jobs are: businesses offering flexible/remote working (43%); getting a pay rise (40%); and better wellbeing support (35%).
“Businesses now need to take some time to reflect and see whether they are offering their employees what they want and giving them what they deserve. These employees are the ones that have kept companies going throughout tough times, so evaluating ways to support them is vital.
“More worryingly, however, are the one third of employees who want more mental health support at work. This research has an underlying message throughout: workers are worn out and they need help”, concludes Dave.
