Five Top Workplace Stressors and Their Toll on Employees

A few years ago, a tech company doing relatively well at its Series B stage started experiencing an alarming turnover rate among its team. Despite offering competitive salaries and state-of- the-art facilities, they couldn’t retain their top talent. The root cause? Burnout. Many of the team reported working late nights and weekends to meet tight deadlines, often without clear direction or support from their managers. This relentless pace, coupled with vague expectations, led to high levels of stress and eventually, a mass exodus of talent.

This scenario isn’t unique to one company. In the tech industry, where innovation and speed are paramount, employees are particularly vulnerable to burnout. The 2022 Burnout Index revealed that:

• 62% of tech professionals feel physically and emotionally drained due to the demands of their job. And,
• 2 in 5 showed a high risk of burnout, with 42% considering quitting their role in the next 6 months.

The causes of burnout may not be surprising but are far too often left unaddressed before it’s too late. Below are five major causes of burnout to pay attention to.

The 5 Major Causes of Burnout in the Workplace

1. Unfair Treatment at Work

Unfair treatment can manifest in various forms, such as bias, favoritism, or unequal work distribution. In tech environments, where teamwork is crucial, any perception of unfairness can quickly escalate into frustration and stress. A Gallup study revealed that employees who feel unfairly treated are 2.3 times more likely to experience high stress and burnout, underscoring the importance of equitable management practices.

2. Unmanageable Workload

In the fast-paced world of tech, workloads can spiral out of control. The constant pressure to innovate and deliver on tight timelines often leads to long hours and an unsustainable pace. The WHO has highlighted that excessive workloads are a significant contributor to stress-related health issues, emphasising the need for balanced task management and realistic expectations.

3. Lack of Role Clarity

Role ambiguity is a common issue in tech startups and even with companies scaling up, where roles can be fluid and expectations unclear. This lack of clarity can cause significant stress as employees struggle to understand their responsibilities and how to prioritise their tasks. Role clarity is crucial for reducing workplace stress and enhancing employee confidence and performance.

4. Lack of Communication and Support from Managers

Effective communication is vital in any industry, but in tech, where projects are complex and often involve cross-functional teams, the need for clear guidance and support from managers is even more critical. Gallup’s research indicates that employees who feel unsupported by their managers are significantly more likely to experience burnout, making strong leadership essential for maintaining a healthy work environment.

5. Unreasonable Time Pressure

Tight deadlines are a hallmark of the tech industry, but when time pressure becomes unreasonable, it can lead to significant stress. Employees who are consistently pushed to meet unrealistic deadlines may become overwhelmed and less productive, contributing to burnout.

Combating Stress and Burnout: 4 Strategies

1. Foster a Fair and Inclusive Work Environment

Creating a culture of fairness and inclusivity is crucial. Ensure that all employees are treated equitably, with transparent decision-making processes and equal opportunities for growth and advancement.

2. Manage Workloads Effectively

Encourage regular check-ins between managers and their teams to assess workloads and redistribute tasks as needed. Implementing flexible work arrangements and promoting a healthy work-life balance can help alleviate the strain on employees.

3. Clarify Roles and Responsibilities

Provide clear job descriptions and set realistic expectations. Regularly review and update these as roles evolve, ensuring that employees understand their priorities and how their work contributes to the organisation’s goals.

4. Enhance Communication and Support

Train managers to be better communicators and to provide consistent feedback and support. Encourage an open-door policy where employees feel comfortable discussing their challenges and seeking guidance.

Bonus Strategy: Invest in Resilience Training

While traditional stress management techniques are valuable, resilience training offers a proactive approach to combating burnout. Resilience training equips employees with the skills to manage stress more effectively, adapt to change, and recover quickly from setbacks. Resilience training can reduce stress, improving overall well-being and productivity. By fostering resilience, companies can help their employees navigate the pressures of the workplace with greater ease and maintain their performance under challenging conditions.

Leaders, Are You Recognizing the Early Signs of Burnout in Your Team?

It’s crucial for leaders to be vigilant in recognising the early signs of burnout—such as decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and disengagement. Proactively addressing these concerns can prevent burnout from taking root and help maintain a healthy, productive workplace.

If you’d like to learn more about building resilience and combating stress in the workplace, reach out to me on LinkedIn.

Did I miss anything?

What have you observed as the number one cause of stress and burnout in the workplace? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments.

Featured image by Jacob Lund