John Graham Harper, CEO, Lumaflex.
Stress is something we’re all subjected to in some form or another. Yet, in many business-oriented environments, stress can manifest itself in a number of ways and often result in poor mental health. Mental Health America found that in 2022, 81% of workers said workplace stress affected their mental health.
Workplace fatigue and burnout can contribute to poor mental health. This is part of the reason why many businesses are implementing strategies to promote employee wellness.
The Dangers Of Workplace Fatigue And Burnout
In 2024, the Society for Human Resource Management found “44 percent of 1,405 surveyed U.S. employees feel burned out at work, 45 percent feel ’emotionally drained’ from their work, and 51 percent feel ‘used up’ at the end of the workday.”
This shows workplace fatigue and burnout are widespread issues, and they can worsen without intervention. Not only can this hurt employees’ work performance, but it can also negatively impact their mental health and contribute to issues like chronic stress, which can take a toll physically. Stress can lead to symptoms like hypertension, trouble sleeping and chest pain, as well as addiction, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It can also increase a person’s odds of developing depression and anxiety.
Strategies For Combating Burnout
Given the many risks associated with workplace burnout, businesses should prioritize employee wellness to address them. To tackle burnout and fatigue, companies can explore a number of potential remedies, including:
1. Establish a healthy work-life balance.
A healthy work-life balance is essential to reduce burnout. Employers can consider offering flexible work schedules and the option to work remotely to allow employees to achieve a better balance, rather than letting work dominate their lives. In fact, a Gallup survey found that 76% of respondents said a better work-life balance was the No. 1 advantage of hybrid work.
2. Provide additional support.
Businesses can also offer additional support through HR departments and providing access to counseling, therapy sessions and health services. If employees are overwhelmed by their workload, companies may also need to consider providing extra manpower to help alleviate the burden.
3. Encourage regular breaks.
Encourage employees to take regular breaks. This is a simple yet effective way to reduce burnout. Breaks can help employees recharge, tackle stress and maintain focus throughout the day. As researchers explained in the Harvard Business Review, there are a number of ways leaders can encourage more effective breaks, such as sharing the benefits of breaks, taking breaks yourself to set an example, scheduling break times and creating a space where employees can take breaks.
4. Explore alternatives like red light therapy.
Businesses can also consider using red light therapy (RLT) devices in their wellness programs. RLT uses low wavelengths of red light and near-infrared light to penetrate the skin. One of the main benefits of RLT is that it’s said to help strengthen the mitochondria in cells, “by increasing the transportation of electrons, oxygen consumption, and your levels of ATP (adenosine triphosphate),” according to Healthline. Some workers may also find that RLT helps them relax or be more alert at work. This could make it a valuable tool in combating workplace fatigue and promoting employee well-being.
Conclusion
America’s workers are physically and mentally drained, but as more workplaces integrate wellness strategies into their operations, the situation can improve. By prioritizing employee well-being, organizations can ensure they’re supporting their workforce’s health, as well as their performance.
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