Burnout has become almost synonymous with modern work culture as individuals report feeling overwhelmed from chronic stress. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes burnout as not just fatigue, but as a syndrome stemming from long-term workplace stress. This increasing concern prompted researchers at The University of New Mexico’s Anderson School of Management to conduct significant studies demonstrating how cooperation among employees can relieve this burden.
The research, entitled Receiving Help at Work Mitigates the Negative Consequences of Performance Pressure: Implications for Depletion and Citizenship Behavior, was led by Associate Professor Andrea Hetrick, with co-author Professor Ryan Jacobson. Utilizing data gathered from 268 full-time employees across various industries, the study analyzed their experiences with receiving assistance and the levels of pressure they felt at work.
According to Hetrick, "We found those who received help were less exhausted than employees who didn't. When under pressure at work, exhaustion was exacerbated, and receiving help was more beneficial in those situations." The study sheds light on the stark reality of workplace dynamics, showing how individuals who felt isolated with their workloads were more likely to withdraw from teamwork and communal efforts to support one another.
This pattern creates what Hetrick describes as a "downward spiral type of phenomenon" where employees burdened by heavy pressures not only suffer from their own exhaustion but also contribute to the depletion of morale within their teams. "If there isn't a lot of help going on at work and people are overwhelmed, then it leads to employees becoming more and more exhausted," she elaborates.
Hetrick’s findings underline the importance of fostering collaborative environments within workplaces. She suggests, "Anything you can do to Foster those collaborations is going to be helpful. Interacting with colleagues can create those opportunities for collaboration and teamwork" and emphasized the need for management to be aware of employee struggles.
Further addressing the challenges of modern work settings, especially with remote and hybrid models becoming more prevalent, Hetrick advocates for the use of digital communication tools. She states, "We can uniquely use the situation of Zoom and other virtual avenues to Foster those relationships, even virtually." These tools, she insists, can bridge the gap between coworkers, making it possible to build relationships and maintain collaboration even when physically apart.
On the individual level, Hetrick suggests implementing mindfulness techniques as effective countermeasures against burnout. Mindfulness encompasses practices like meditation, yoga, and even routine physical activity, which have been found to significantly alleviate stress levels. She posits, "All of these things have been shown through research to mitigate burnout and exhaustion." By injecting mindfulness practices within the work day, employees may become more resilient and connected to both themselves and their surroundings.
Hetrick also calls upon employees to advocate for themselves within their work environments. If team members feel overwhelmed, she recommends they communicate their struggles to supervisors, stating, "If you are in a supportive environment, it could also be helpful to speak up and let your boss know, because they may not know you have too much on your plate." This open dialogue fosters transparency and can lead to meaningful changes within teams.
The research conducted by Hetrick and Jacobson is not just about addressing burnout but also reimagining workplace culture to prioritize mental health and collaboration. By helping teams understand the significant impact of social support, they can all work together to create environments where stress levels are lowered and productivity can flourish.
Employee burnout remains a pressing issue. Addressing it requires thoughtful strategies, engaged leadership, and collective effort. Companies must evolve to recognize the signs and mitigate the adverse effects of workplace stress, ensuring mental well-being forms part of their operational priorities.
Understanding how to develop healthier workplace dynamics is key. The findings from this research serve as fundamental insights for enhancing employee engagement—inviting collaboration as not just beneficial but as imperative for sustainable success.