In the most recent Future Forum Pulse survey, over 40% of employees reported experiencing burnout. That is the highest percentage since May 2021, when the organization first began collecting data on burnout, and it represents a slight increase from the previous quarter. “A Future Forum press release stated that burnout continues to be a significant problem in the workplace.”
What then? The World Health Organization defines burnout as feelings of exhaustion, negativity, and decreased work efficiency. It can have a negative impact on your health and well-being and is a growing issue in the workplace. Workers under the age of 30 and women are more likely than men to experience burnout. Employees who experience burnout at work are less productive and more likely to leave their jobs, which is bad for business.
What comes next? There are numerous causes of burnout. It could be that you are working too much or that you don’t feel like your efforts are fully appreciated. It’s possible that you’re having trouble getting along with particular people at work, or that your organization’s values don’t match your own.
Talking to your manager may help you solve some problems, but dealing with burnout also has financial ramifications.
First and foremost, knowing where you stand financially makes it much simpler to deal with any potential shifts in your employment with confidence. Determine whether you are on the right financial path before you speak with your boss about how much you spend versus how much you earn each month.
If overwork is the main problem, think about what motivates you to work more hours. Make an effort to comprehend whether you are being asked to do too much or if you are concerned that you do not have sufficient funds in your bank account. In recent months, many Americans have taken on more work to pay for living. That’s understandable, but if it’s affecting your health in a negative way, it might be time to reconsider.
Let’s say your retirement savings are on track and your savings account is in good shape.
If that’s the case, you might be able to afford to let go of the gas pedal for the sake of your health. You might even make the decision to quit your job. However, you could check to see if your employer would consider a sabbatical or a four-day work week, particularly if you are willing to accept a decrease in income.
Are there ways to save money instead of working harder if you are unhappy with your financial situation? Can you begin contributing as little as $10 or $20 per month to an emergency fund so that you do not have to worry as much about unforeseen costs? Or could you at the very least set aside some time each day for yourself? Keep in mind that burnout can have a negative impact on your health and, in the worst case, could prevent you from working at all.
