UserTesting (NYSE: USER), a leader in video-based human insight, conducted a test to study the effects of employee burnout in India. As per the survey findings, 1 out of 2 Indian employees is looking for a job change due to burnout. While 50% of the country’s workforce stated workload as a major factor leading to burnout, 20% stated work-life imbalance and 15% stated monotony as the prime cause of their stress. Interestingly, the sample set of this survey included professionals from across industries, with 80% from the tech background, followed by 5% working in the sales and marketing fields.
Professionals Are Working Longer Than Before Due to a Shift in Office Patterns
Working from home has given professionals much needed flexibility and also proven to increase their productivity and efficiency. However, this arrangement has its drawbacks too. According to the survey, remote workers are working longer hours, attending more meetings and managing more communication channels. About 55% of professionals reported experiencing an increase in their work hours since the pandemic-induced lockdown.
Hybrid Work Model: A Mantra For Better Work-Life Balance
As we transition into the post-pandemic era, many companies, such as Meesho (a leading Indian eCommerce website) announced a boundaryless workplace model*. Through the policy, the firm is giving its employees the power to choose to work from home, office or any location of their choice. Other Indian companies are still in hybrid work environments where employees are permitted to work from both the office and from home. As per UserTesting’s survey, 80% of respondents declared that they are still following the hybrid work model, while 10% reported working from the office and working from home respectively.
Meanwhile, the hybrid mode of working has gained more popularity amongst employees as they feel more productive and comfortable. Because of the flexibility that this work model provides, 55% of respondents stated that they can balance their personal and professional life better with such a work culture. Interestingly, 70% of Indians responded that hybrid work has led to increased work satisfaction.
Flexible work Hours Helping Employees to Combat Burnout
Burnout is the pandemic’s unrecognized health epidemic and has a significant impact on working professionals, organizations, and larger communities. While enquiring what companies are doing to reduce burnout, 40% of respondents indicated that their employers provided flexible work hours, and 40% claimed to have wellness programs in place. Furthermore, 10% said their employers were organizing social events to combat burnout.
When asked about the suggested measures that companies could take to combat burnout, Indian employees recommended that their employers ensure mandatory downtime after work hours, employee-care activities, and better/more specified deadlines.
