Working Harder, Getting Less Done

Since 2019, burnout has been classified as an occupational hazard by the World Health Organization, and it's much more prevalent than most realize. According to Deloitte, 77% of professionals have experienced burnout in their current role, with more than half citing multiple instances. A survey conducted by the professional network Blind found that 57% of tech workers report feeling burned out. It’s clear that burnout is not an isolated issue—it affects more than half of us.

Burnout in the tech industry seems the be primarily caused by work overload and working long hours, with 67% of IT leaders reporting burnout, according to Gartner. The consequences are stark: a 63% increase in sick days and a 23% decrease in overall productivity. Given how widespread and serious burnout is, no organization can afford to underestimate its threat

Healing Through Shared Experience

Recently, I had the opportunity to lead a workshop on burnout at our GDC office in Poland. The experience was eye-opening. As we explored the causes and consequences of burnout, something surprising happened: participants started opening up. They shared their experiences, struggles, and hopes for a more supportive work environment

Simply speaking up, acknowledging challenges, and hearing each other’s stories can be a crucial step toward healing.

The room buzzed with a sense of shared understanding and community. It was a powerful reminder that simply speaking up, acknowledging challenges, and hearing each other’s stories can be a crucial step toward healing.

One of the most striking realizations during the workshop was the importance of internal alignment. While we often focus on external factors like workload or lack of support, it’s equally crucial to examine what’s happening within ourselves. Are we aligned with our values and purpose in our work? Are we suffering from job idolatry, sacrificing our well-being and relationships by making our jobs the center of our lives?

A Manager’s Role in Preventing Burnout

This brings us to the critical role of managers. Managers have the power to profoundly impact the employee experience. Research shows that unsupported employees are 70% more likely to experience burnout. This underscores the pivotal role managers play in fostering a supportive work environment. By actively listening to their team members, understanding what truly matters to them, and helping them align their roles with their values, managers can significantly reduce burnout.

By actively listening to their team members, understanding what truly matters to them, and helping them align their roles with their values, managers can significantly reduce burnout.

Active listening, providing meaningful feedback, and supporting personal growth are essential steps in fostering a culture of well-being.

Good for Employees, Good for Business

The responsibility for creating a burnout-resistant culture extends beyond individual managers. Organizations have a vital role to play, including promoting open communication and providing resources such as mindfulness programs to support mental health. Preventing burnout isn’t just about being a good company—it’s good for business. A healthy, engaged workforce leads to increased productivity, higher morale, and ultimately, a stronger bottom line.

Don’t assume that others already know what’s important to you. Educate them.

The workshop in Poland served as a powerful reminder that open communication is key to combating burnout. Sharing our experiences, acknowledging our struggles, and seeking support from one another can make a world of difference.

Your Call to Action

Take a moment to reflect on what truly matters to you in your work. What brings you joy, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose? Communicate these values to your manager, colleagues, and even your organization. Don’t assume that others already know what’s important to you. Educate them.

By fostering open communication and aligning our work with our values, we can create a healthier, more sustainable future for ourselves and our workplaces. Let’s break the silence around burnout and work together to build a more supportive and resilient work environment for everyone. Explore the MicroStrategy mission and discover how data-driven insights can fuel your purpose-driven journey.