Wellness perks are helpful but not a cure for workplace stress.
To combat burnout, address systemic issues like toxic workplace behavior.
Deep dives
Understanding Burnout and Its Root Causes
Burnout is defined by the World Health Organization as an occupational workplace phenomenon, driven by a chronic imbalance between job demands and resources. Symptoms of burnout include extreme tiredness, difficulty in concentration, and emotional stress. The pandemic has exacerbated burnout levels globally, highlighting the need for addressing mental health challenges. Toxic workplace behavior stands out as a significant driver of burnout, with employees facing high burnout rates in various countries.
Addressing Burnout through Systemic Changes
Employers often focus on remedying burnout symptoms rather than tackling root causes, leading to a sustained increase in burnout rates. The emphasis on individual resilience skills is insufficient; recognizing systemic influences like toxic workplace behavior is crucial. Employers can combat toxic behavior by setting clear performance standards, fostering psychologically safe environments, and prioritizing compassionate leadership.
Creating Inclusive Work Environments and Mitigating Stigma
Leaders can promote inclusion by diversifying leadership, fostering safe spaces for all employees, and minimizing biases in workflows and team setups. Open dialogue around burnout and mental health issues helps reduce stigma and create a supportive workplace culture. Employers can measure burnout levels, take targeted interventions, and proactively prioritize employee well-being to foster a sustainable and resilient workforce.
Yoga. Therapy. Meditation. Yes, wellness perks are helpful, but they’re not a panacea for workplace stress. In this episode of The McKinsey Podcast, Erica Coe, a McKinsey partner and coleader of the McKinsey Health Institute (MHI), speaks with McKinsey Global Publishing’s Lucia Rahilly about why burnout has hit record levels over the past two years—and what leaders can do to create a path toward lasting change.
After, senior partner Tiffany Burns describes one of her rookie moments: talking a client down from sending an email in a state of frustration.
How to lead with Deliberate Calm, a new book, soon-to-publish from McKinsey: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-on-books/deliberate-calm
Theme music written, produced and performed by Joy Ngiaw.