Workers in the Asia Pacific are amongst the most burnt out in the world as the impact of the pandemic continues to hit.

A study by Instant Offices found six out of ten workers in Australia, Singapore, Japan and Hong Kong are planning to look for new jobs as pandemic fatigue takes hold.

In Australia online searches for ‘burnout symptoms’ increased by 61 per cent over the last year. Currently, only nine per cent of Australians are feeling engaged at work!

It’s bad news for employers, with the report suggesting employees experiencing burnout are 63 per cent more likely to take a sick day and 13 per cent less confident in their performance at work.

Businesses face a talent exodus driven by burnout

According to the findings, young Aussies are amongst the worst impacted. Employers face losing younger talent, with 65 per cent of 18 – 24-year-olds planning on resigning, and 61 per cent of 25 – 34-year-olds across Singapore, Japan and Australia also considering throwing in the towel at their current job.

With COVID-19 causing many businesses to cut back on expenses to shave costs, 51 per cent of employees say they are looking to quit because of a lack of growth opportunities at work.

Businesses need to help employees manage stress

One of the impacts of the pandemic has been an increase in stress levels, and overworked business owners and their staff are amongst the worst hit.

According to the World Health Organisation, workplace burnout results from chronic workplace stress that hasn’t been managed which can lead to feeling exhausted, disengaged from work and unable to manage workload.

It’s not just individual employees that burnout affects – it also impacts company retention. The study reports that a quarter of respondents are actively looking to leave their employers. Due to this, the Great Resignation is set to hit Australia by March 2022 with 38 per cent saying salary and 29 per cent listing their wellbeing as motivators.

So, what can employers do to support their employees and reduce burnout?

Tips and tricks to creating a healthy workplace: 

• Make physical and mental health a cornerstone of your company culture.
• Ensure your managers receive proper training on how to prevent, recognise and manage workplace burnout, both in themselves and their teams.
• It’s essential to provide a safe, hygienic work environment that allows workers to protect themselves and others
• Encourage your employees to set stricter boundaries by switching off their work devices at the end of their work day.
• Look for ways to bridge the gap between physical and digital spaces.

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