Studies Show That Staff Shortages Are Causing Burnout amongst Government Workers
Studies Show That Staff Shortages Are Causing Burnout amongst Government Workers
In this article, we will discuss the reasons why burnout rates are so incredibly high in employees who are from the government sector as compared to employees from the private sector and what these employees believe will reduce these rates.
According to a report, a third of government employees are preparing to leave their positions since more than half of them say they feel burned out at work. This statistic is alarming when you consider how it is far higher than what is found while surveying workers from the private sector.
Moreover, a workforce survey conducted by Eagle Hill Consulting also interestingly identified the groups of employees that suffered the most. This survey concluded that women, millennials, and lower-paid government employees all have greater rates of burnout.
The employees were also surveyed about the reason they faced burnout. Government workers identified time constraints, workload, a lack of communication and support from management, personnel shortages, and the difficulty balancing personal and professional lives as the main causes of burnout. A four-day work week and more flexibility, according to more than two-thirds of federal employees, would reduce stress.
Eighty-two percent of employees across all levels of government who were asked how staff shortages are affecting their workload said that it is covering the workload for open positions, 45% that it is assisting others in learning their jobs, 35% that it is training new hires, and 23% that it is recruiting.
A few solutions to reduce the rate of burnout were recommended by employees who faced this threat. These solutions included the following:
- A shorter workweek was recommended so that employees have some time to relax away from work.
- Employers should cut workloads, and this significantly contributes to feeling stressed and over-worked.
- Increase working from home, as the environment of home makes employees generally feel easier since they are away from the stressful environment of the workplace.
- Improve health and wellness benefits so that workers are not constantly stressed about how they will be able to afford healthcare.
- Lessen administrative duties.
- Provide more on-site amenities.
- Allow employees to move or work from several locations.
Well over one-third of the federal workforce plans to resign in the next twelve months, which suggests that the infamous Great Resignation may not be done yet. For Millennials and lower-paid workers, the predicted leave rates are considerably greater.
It is important that government employees receive a working environment that caters to their comfort in order to increase their productivity and prevent them from feeling over-worked. The above cited reasons for burnout should be evaluated and workplaces should learn to identify the presence of these nuisances in a timely manner. Furthermore, workers should be consulted frequently to receive suggestions on how to make the work environment more pleasant. All these factors contribute greatly to the productivity of employees. Hence, to ensure excellent results and to meet targets efficiently, worker burnout needs to be addressed.
