A Gallup survey identifies managers as the type of employees most likely to experience burnout at work. The survey, which tracked employee burnout from the beginning of the pandemic through 2021, revealed that 35 percent of front-line managers reported feeling burned out, compared to 33 percent of project managers and 27 percent of individual contributors.
Managers face higher levels of stress, burnout, and worse physical well-being and work-life balance than the employees they manage. This is particularly concerning in the current labor market, where attracting and retaining top talent is crucial. Burnout among managers can hinder their performance and ability to recruit new employees.
Several reasons contribute to manager burnout, including their opinions being ignored, lack of leadership training, and being underappreciated and overworked.
According to the American Psychological Association, 79 percent of employees experienced work-related stress in the month before their 2021 survey. https://www.yourtango.com/2career/type-employee-most-likely-burn-out-work-according-survey (Nov. 09, 2024).
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The source identifies physical well-being as one of the key issues that contributes to manager burnout.
When managers experience high levels of stress, their bodies release stress hormones like cortisol. Over time, chronic stress can lead to various health issues, including:
- Digestive Problems: Stress can cause or exacerbate conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other gastrointestinal issues.
- Weight Gain: Stress can lead to unhealthy eating habits and weight gain.
- Anxiety and Depression: Chronic stress is a major contributor to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
- Headaches: Stress is a common trigger for tension headaches and migraines.
- Sleep Problems: Stress can interfere with sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or poor-quality sleep.
- Memory and Concentration Issues: High stress levels can impair cognitive functions, affecting memory and concentration.
- Cardiovascular Issues: Chronic stress increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
The final takeaway is addressing stress through effective management strategies, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, and relaxation techniques, can help mitigate these physical health impacts and is important for starting 2025 on the right note. If you're feeling the weight of stress, it's important to take proactive steps to manage it now and seek support when you need it throughout the year.
