International SOS reveals a pressing burnout crisis linked to ongoing global challenges.
- The Risk Outlook 2024 report highlights a significant increase in employee burnout due to constant crises.
- Experts stress the importance of transitioning from reactive to proactive crisis management.
- Burnout is exacerbated by personal stressors, including economic pressures and climate concerns.
- Organisations are urged to foster employee wellbeing and sustainable performance.
International SOS has identified a growing burnout crisis among employees, driven by a persistent cycle of global challenges. The Risk Outlook 2024 report sheds light on this critical issue, with two-thirds of professionals surveyed expecting heightened complexity in ensuring workforce wellbeing this year, a peak not seen in the past five years.
In response to this pressing concern, experts at International SOS emphasise the need for a shift from reactive crisis management to proactive preparedness. This transition is vital to counteract the detrimental effects of ‘permacrisis’—a continuous state of crises without resolution—resulting in increased burnout signs, such as emotional exhaustion and diminished productivity.
Crucially, the report identifies that burnout is intensified by various personal stressors. Rising living costs, climate change fears, and political divisions contribute significantly to employees’ overall distress, highlighting the need for organisations to address these challenges head-on.
Dr Kate O’Reilly, Regional Medical Director at International SOS, underlines the urgency, stating, “The current landscape presents a concerning trend of burnout permeating workplaces globally.” The combination of increased workloads, blurred work-life boundaries, and constant change has pushed employees into unfamiliar realms, challenging their wellbeing.
International SOS advises companies to implement recognition measures, such as regular wellbeing check-ins and burnout sign training for managers, to support affected employees. Encouraging open discussions on mental health and providing access to support programmes, including counselling and resilience workshops, are deemed essential.
To enhance workforce resilience, organisations are urged to promote work-life balance and offer resources for managing stress-related issues. Developing detailed crisis management plans targeting burnout, ensuring proper workload distribution, and collaborating with external experts to share best practices are also recommended strategies.
Addressing burnout through proactive strategies is imperative for organisations to ensure employee wellbeing and sustainable performance.
