Workplace Burnout Prevention and Employee Wellbeing | Assurance HR Management Tasmania

WWorkplace burnout prevention is more critical than ever. According to the Employee Sentiment Report, 46% of employees experience burnout, and this figure continues to rise each quarter. Burnout doesn’t just reduce productivity—it leads to preventable staff turnover, rostering challenges, increased stress, and a surge in mental health concerns and compensation claims.

In 2019, the World Health Organization classified burnout as an occupational phenomenon and a reactive mental health condition. It’s defined as chronic stress caused by workplace duties or responsibilities, resulting in emotional exhaustion, reduced motivation, and often depression.

Types of Workplace Burnout

Burnout typically presents in three forms:

Exhaustion – Persistent fatigue and energy depletion
Cynicism – Emotional detachment and disengagement from work
Inefficacy – Feeling ineffective or lacking impact in one’s role

Why Burnout Affects High Performers

You might ask, “Why does this matter?” Research shows that burnout disproportionately affects high-performing and highly engaged employees. In other words, your most productive team members are often the most vulnerable.

Recognising the Warning Signs

Common symptoms of employee burnout include:

Physical and emotional exhaustion
Withdrawal from responsibilities and development opportunities
Lack of motivation or interest in tasks
Changes in behaviour or increased conflict with colleagues
Emerging mental health issues
Sudden resignation or absenteeism

Employer Strategies for Workplace Burnout Prevention

Burnout is preventable when employers adopt proactive, people-first practices. Consider implementing the following:

Build a support network that encourages social connection inside and outside the workplace
Conduct regular performance reviews to assess satisfaction, set goals, and offer constructive feedback
Clarify position descriptions and regularly review workloads to ensure alignment with expectations and available resources
Promote work-life balance through flexible scheduling and cultural reinforcement
Offer health-focused benefits such as fitness discounts, counselling access, mental health support, and wellness perks

For additional guidance, explore our HR compliance resources or visit the World Health Organization’s burnout classification (who.int in Bing).