In a survey of more than 200 HR directors, 30% said employee burnout is common within their organisation, a figure that rises to 35% in London and the south east.
The research also revealed that 67% of UK HR directors cite "workload" as the primary reason for employee burnout, although this figure rises to 75% for large and 73% for public sector companies.
More than half cite "overtime and long working hours" as the secondary reason. This was followed by "unachievable expectations", "economic pressures" and "inability to balance personal and professional commitments".
In terms of initiatives to prevent burnout, HR directors cited promoting a teamwork-based environment, providing flexible working options and restructuring job functions and tasks.
Phil Sheridan, managing director, Robert Half UK said: "Employee burnout can affect almost any professional, from top boss to rank and file employee.
"Many employees who have been tackling increased workloads while putting in long hours are beginning to lose their motivation at work and this is particularly challenging for accounting teams as they prepare for fiscal year-end."
Sheridan added: "In today's economy, many businesses are managing heavier workloads with less staff, so hiring temporary or interim professionals is proving an effective and efficient way to alleviate pressure, especially as accounting and finance departments prepare for fiscal year-end.
"This allows companies to manage workload peaks and troughs without incurring fixed labour costs, while ensuring specialist technical skills are available as and when needed.
"Companies who adopt this approach have been able to cope better with the unexpected, prevent employee burnout and avoid reduced morale and increased costs."
