More than half of professionals feel worn out by their work, according to research from Talking Talent.
The survey of 1,287 UK professionals found that nearly six in 10 (57%) are left feeling mentally exhausted by their jobs. This feeling was most prominent among those early in their careers. Of those aged 25 to 34, 75% said they already feel worn out by work. (However, the figure was lower among graduates at 57%.)
This was also found to be of particular concern among senior managers and working parents, with 70% of senior employees stating they feel worn out by the responsibilities of their role, and 67% of parents.
A spokesperson for DaddiLife, a website and community for dads, including working fathers, told HR magazine that employers must start having “honest conversations” with employees about work.
He said: "These results are alarming, and are just the latest that show the increasing pressures working parents face. For a lot of mums and dads work is now ‘always on', and employers need to start having an honest conversation about work, and whether it’s in sync with modern family life. It is especially important for working parents who quite frankly can't afford to be sick and feel no other choice but to put their health at great risk."
Talking Talent director and executive coach Rob Bravo agreed organisations need to take action if parents aren't to feel pushed out of work. "If left unexamined wellbeing issues will reverse positive trends in diversity and inclusion aimed at improving organisational performance," he said.
He added: “This research shows how the risk of burnout is real. The challenge of helping employees understand how to manage their own wellbeing is part of protecting an organisation's greatest asset – its people."
