LHH's report also showed that more than a third (37%) of UK CEOs are considering a change of role or direction, or retirement in the next two-to-three years.
A feeling of overwhelm at work might not be limited to the C-suite, research published yesterday (12 March) by HR software provider Atlassian, suggested; its data showed that 64% of UK workers reported their workloads being more overwhelming than ever.
HR professionals can play a crucial role in supporting leaders who are feeling overworked and burned out, according to Stephen Adams, CEO of leadership coaching company, Inspiring Cultures.
Adams told HR magazine: “Encouraging a culture of delegation, ensuring leaders have access to mental health support, and promoting a healthy work/life balance are essential.”
Read more: How can HR support new C-suite leaders?
The first step in preventing long-term burnout is to understand how employees and colleagues are feeling, said Jenny Hilliard, head of HR at property firm B3Living.
Speaking to HR magazine, she said: “Though words of support are often useful, they’re not enough to stop burnout from occurring. There needs to be a wide-ranging and well-communicated wellbeing offer that encompasses both physical and mental health matters.
“For B3Living, this includes flexible working patterns, part-funded private health and health cash-back schemes, enhanced family leave, generous annual leave, and more.”
Preventing long-term burnout also involves ensuring that leaders have the right skillset, Hilliard added. “Offering coaching and mentoring support towards professional qualifications will allow people to learn and develop in line with their changing workload.”
Burnout and heavy workloads have led to increasing turnover according to Adecco’s report. A fifth (19%) of C-suite executives see retaining talent as the internal factor that is causing the most challenges for senior leaders.
Read more: Half of HR professionals on verge of quitting due to burnout
Christopher Richards, founder of leadership consultancy Atomic Growth, told HR magazine: “Without a solid support structure, clear communication and positive reinforcement, employees become burned out, emotionally detached and disengaged.”
He added: “To combat burnout, HR and leadership must create a culture with proper support, training and accountability, ensuring that employees feel empowered to make mistakes and learn from them without fear.”
