From Burnout to Balance: 5 Strategies for Boosting Employee Wellbeing

Updated: Aug 6

By Renee Cavallaro

A silent epidemic is sweeping through offices and remote workspaces across the country. Burnout, once considered an occasional occurrence, has become a significant challenge, negatively impacting employee wellbeing and organizational performance. The latest TELUS Mental Health Index sheds light on this growing crisis, revealing trends that require urgent action from leaders and organizations alike:

Forty-one percent of workers who report feeling “somewhat” burnt out score 18 points lower in mental health compared to their non-burnt-out colleagues.
An alarming 12 percent of employees experiencing “extreme” burnout show a staggering 37-point drop in mental health scores.
Perhaps most concerning, a third of employees report feeling mentally and physically exhausted at the end of each workday, resulting in mental health scores that are 25 points below those not experiencing such fatigue.

These statistics are not just numbers; they represent real people struggling to maintain their mental health and productivity in increasingly demanding work environments. The impact of burnout extends far beyond individual wellbeing, threatening personal health, organizational productivity, innovation and employee retention.

Understanding the root causes

To effectively combat burnout, it’s important to understand its primary drivers. The TELUS Mental Health Index identifies several key factors:

Excessive workloads. A quarter (26 percent) of workers cite an overwhelming workload as the primary cause of their burnout. This suggests that many organizations are struggling to balance productivity demands with employee wellbeing.
Blurred work-life boundaries. With the rise of remote and hybrid work models, the line between professional and personal life has become increasingly blurred. One in 5 (19 percent) of workers report having too many personal demands, indicating a struggle to maintain a healthy work-life integration.
Lack of motivation. Nearly 1 in 10 (9 percent) workers find it difficult to stay motivated due to conflicts with colleagues, highlighting the importance of a positive work environment.
Feeling undervalued. A significant portion (23 percent) of employees report difficulty in motivation due to not feeling valued in their roles. This highlights the importance of not just recognition, but also ensuring that employees feel valued by providing opportunities for career progression, increased responsibilities, and acknowledging their valuable contributions.
Generational differences. The Index reveals that workers under the age of 40 are two-and-a-half times more likely than those over 50 to find it difficult to stay motivated at work, pointing to potential generational gaps in workplace satisfaction and engagement.
Lack of mental health support. A sizable 25 percent of workers are unsure or unaware of where to seek professional help for mental health issues, indicating a significant gap in mental health education and resource accessibility.

Strategic approaches to combat burnout

Given the complex nature of burnout, addressing the issue requires a comprehensive and strategic approach. Based on insights from the Index, here are five ways that organizations can cultivate a healthier, more resilient workforce:

Team culture

Implement regular team-building activities to foster a supportive work environment.
Establish clear communication channels for addressing interpersonal issues.
Invest in conflict resolution training for managers and team leaders.

Workload management and flexibility.

Implement robust project management tools to distribute tasks more evenly across teams.
Offer flexible scheduling options, allowing employees to work during their most productive hours.
Regularly review and adjust workloads to ensure they remain manageable and sustainable.
Encourage breaks and time off to prevent overwork and promote recovery.

Work-life integration support.

Foster a culture that supports taking time off, encouraging employees to use their vacation and wellbeing days.
Offer resources to help employees better integrate their work and personal lives.
Provide child or elder-care support programs.
Introduce “no-meeting” days to allow for focused work and personal time.

Skills development, including AI-assisted skills development

Encourage continuous learning and adaptation, especially to technological changes so employees can upskill.
Implement AI-powered learning platforms offering personalized skill development paths.
Provide training on AI tools that can streamline work processes.

Enhanced mental health resources and education.

Enhance the visibility and accessibility of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).
Conduct regular mental health workshops and training sessions.
Provide digital resources for self-care and stress management.

Empowering leaders to combat burnout

Industry leaders, including TELUS Health, are actively contributing to these efforts by developing innovative solutions, resources, cultural strategies and norms to support mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. By leveraging such industry advancements, organizations can enhance their strategies to combat burnout effectively.

With four generations currently represented in today’s workforce, understanding generational differences in workplace motivation is key. Organizations can bridge these differences by developing training programs to help leaders understand and manage generational needs and expectations. Providing tools for tailoring motivation strategies to suit diverse needs ensures a cohesive and productive work environment.

Additionally, expanding awareness and availability of mental health support is crucial. HR teams should equip leaders and frontline managers with training to recognize the signs of mental health struggles among their team members, particularly in an increasingly hybrid work environment. Educating leaders on available resources and how to promote them effectively fosters a stigma-free environment that encourages open discussions about mental health, ultimately leading to improved mental wellbeing across the organization.

The path forward

Addressing burnout should not be a one-time initiative but an ongoing process supported by all levels of an organization. By implementing these strategies and continuously adapting them based on emerging data and best practices, organizations can play a pivotal role in creating a culture of wellbeing that drives long-term success and employee satisfaction.

As we move forward, it’s clear that prioritizing employee wellbeing is not just a moral imperative but a business necessity. Organizations that take decisive action to combat burnout will not only see improvements in employee health and satisfaction but will also gain a significant competitive advantage in attracting and retaining top talent.

The fight against burnout requires a collective effort. By working together - HR professionals, leaders and employees - we can transform our workplaces to not only withstand but excel amidst modern challenges. The time to act is now, for the wellbeing of our workforce and the success of our organizations depend on it.