As a strategic partner in food and beverage recruitment, we understand that the well-being of your teams is the foundation of your success. Life is fast-paced, and burnout is becoming an increasingly pressing issue that not only diminishes employee productivity but also erodes morale. 

SHRM’s Employee Mental Health in 2024 Research Series, found that 44% of 1,405 surveyed U.S. employees feel burned out at work, 45 percent feel “emotionally drained” from their work, and 51 percent feel “used up” at the end of the workday.  

Complementing this, recent Google Trends data reveals a 40% surge in searches for “symptoms of burnout” and a 50% rise for “how to recover from burnout” over the last 12 months. It’s clear to see that this is a growing problem in every industry, and it can’t be ignored by companies. Employees are feeling the pressure and they’re looking for answers. 

What Is Burnout? 

Burnout is the cumulative result of prolonged work-related stress that leaves individuals physically and emotionally drained. The relentless “always-on” culture following the post-COVID era has only deepened this problem, placing unprecedented pressure on our workforce. 

Identifying the Signs 

Senior leadership must be proactive in recognizing the symptoms of burnout among team members. Look out for: 

• Exhaustion: Persistent fatigue, difficulty in articulating thoughts, or the need to ask questions repeatedly. 

• Detachment: Withdrawal from team engagements, minimal participation, and a noticeable decline in enthusiasm. 

• Negativity: A shift toward a consistently cynical outlook regarding roles and responsibilities. 

• Declining Productivity: A clear reduction in the quality or volume of work delivered. 

Our employees are among our most valuable assets, and it is imperative that we create an environment where their well-being is a top priority. A strategic, top-down approach is essential, one that embeds burnout prevention into the very fabric of our organizational culture. By ensuring that our teams have the opportunity to disconnect, recharge, and truly enjoy their personal lives, we lay the foundation for long-term success. 

As we continue to tackle this pervasive issue, let’s move beyond the conversation and implement real, sustainable change in our workplaces. 

Until then, if you need support or wish to discuss actionable strategies for mitigating burnout, you know where to find us. 

Lukas and The Sterling Choice Team.