New research from talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half reveals a continued strain on today's workers. According to a survey of nearly 2,000 professionals in the U.S., 36% report feeling burned out at work and 33% say they are more burned out now than one year ago. They report the top factors contributing to burnout are:

• Heavy workloads and long hours (40%)

• Lack of support or recognition from their manager (30%)

• Few professional growth opportunities (27%)

Those who report the highest burnout levels are:

• Gen Z (39%) and Millennial (40%) professionals

• Working parents (38%)

• Professionals at small and midsize businesses (37%)

"With burnout on the rise, managers must take steps to monitor workloads, maintain open communication and support employee well-being," said Dawn Fay, operational president at Robert Half.

Countering Burnout
Burnout isn't just affecting workers—it's a top concern for organizations struggling to hire. A separate Robert Half survey of more than 1,600 hiring managers found that their biggest impact of not being able to staff an open role in a timely manner are:

• Employee burnout (42%)

• Delayed project timelines (39%)

• Decreased productivity of existing staff (37%)

• Higher employee turnover (36%)

Fay added: "Burnout is not just an employee issue—it's a critical business challenge. During times of heavy workloads or delayed hiring cycles, employers need to address burnout head-on, or risk falling behind on critical projects and losing staff."

Robert Half offers tips for managers to help counter burnout:

1. Encourage taking time off: Support your team's well-being by promoting regular time off and mental health days to recharge.

2. Help prioritize projects and manage timelines: Assist your team in prioritizing tasks and managing timelines effectively to ensure manageable workloads.

3. Hire additional support: Consider hiring contract professionals to ease workloads, allowing your team to focus on key responsibilities.

4. Recognize and appreciate: Acknowledge and celebrate your team's hard work and accomplishments to boost morale and reinforce a positive work environment.

5. Foster open communication: Create a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their challenges and needs.