Proactive steps urged to prevent a burnout crisis in the workforce
A new report found that 54% of Australians are taking on extra tasks due to fears of termination amid sweeping layoffs. The data found that 37% believe they need to work harder or longer hours to keep their jobs, according to the ELMO Employee Sentiment Index, which surveyed 1,002 Australians.
Women were more likely to admit that they are taking on extra tasks, according to the report, with 34% working early or late compared to 24% of men. They (31%) are also working through their lunch break compared to men (20%).
On top of taking on more tasks, the report also found that 17% of employees are saving their annual leave in the last three months in case of a redundancy.
Retrenchment fears
These findings reflect the growing job insecurity among Australians as more employers declare layoffs amid global economic uncertainty. For 27% of ELMO's respondents, they believe their company will be announcing redundancies in the next three months. For a quarter of them, they believe their roles are next on the chopping block.
"It is clear that increasing financial and job insecurity is exacting a significant toll on the wellbeing of Australian employees, particularly women and younger workers," said ELMO Software CEO and Co-Founder Danny Lessem in a media release.
Recent reports previously revealed that many Australians are already career cushioning or making themselves "more hire-able" in preparation for layoffs.
What can employers do?
Employers must be proactive to prevent a burnout crisis in their hands, according to Lessem.
"These findings should serve as a wake up call that to avert a burnout crisis, companies need to take proactive steps to support their employees, whether that is through financial education, mental health support or flexible working arrangements," he said.
Aleksandr Volodarsky, chief executive officer of Lemon.io, previously advised employers to be transparent to make employees feel secure.
"In our experience, transparency is key, no matter the circumstances, and your best bet is to proactively communicate how the business is doing, and what your plans, challenges and wins are. Whether you're scaling or saving your business, strive for full transparency at all times," Volodarsky previously told HRD.
