Burnout Crisis Engulfs New Zealand's Workforce, Survey Reveals

A staggering 57% of New Zealand's workers, report, severe, job insecurity, according to a recent survey conducted by Massey Business School. The alarming findings, released by the Wellbeing Work Project in April 2024, expose a workforce pushed to the brink, with burnout levels surpassing even the darkest days of the pandemic.

Why this matters: The burnout crisis has far-reaching implications for New Zealand's economy, as it can lead to decreased productivity, increased turnover rates, and a strain on the healthcare system. If left unaddressed, it may also exacerbate existing social and economic inequalities, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Job insecurity emerges being the primary driver of this burnout epidemic. A shocking 48.4% of workers now perceive their employment as under threat, a dramatic surge from just 22% in December 2023. Professor Jarrod Haar, the survey's lead researcher, warns of the grave repercussions:"Those in the burnout risk category are far more likely to experience mental health issues like anxiety and depression, which are accompanied by higher levels of insomnia. "The toll extendsbeyond personal well-being, with burnt-out employees 16.5 times more likely to contemplate quitting their jobs.

The survey exposes significant disparities across professions. Educational professionals bear an overwhelming burden, with 86.6% succumbing to burnout, second only to clerical workers at an astonishing 87.7%. Office managers (70.7%) and health professionals (63.5%) also find themselves in the burnout crosshairs.

The private sector shoulders the heaviest load, with 59.8% of its workforce engulfed in burnout. The public sector trails closely at 48.7%, while the not-for-profit sector fares marginally better at 40%. Pākehā workers disproportionately suffer, with 65.1% experiencing burnout, overshadowing the 43.3% of Māori workers and 17.6% of Asian workers.

Regional variations paint a troubling scenario. Gisborne tops the burnout charts at an alarming 81.1%, with the Bay of Plenty (71.9%) and Waikato (67%) following suit. Conversely, the South Island reports the least work-related stress, with Nelson at 14.3% and both the West Coast and Otago at 33.3%.

The work environment plays a crucial role in burnout risk. Full-time home workers report the lowest burnout rate at 15.4%, while hybrid workers face the highest risk at 72.4%, underscoring the challenges of coping with the new normal of remote and hybrid work arrangements.

Professor Haar sounds the alarm, emphasizing the urgent need for action: "The survey results are a warning sign. Employers and leaders need to take major steps to alleviate the stressors that workers face." The World Health Organization (WHO) defines burnout as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.

The Massey Business School survey lays bare the burnout crisis that has New Zealand's workforce in its grip. The staggering figures serve as a clarion call for employers, policymakers, and society to confront job insecurity head-on, prioritize mental well-being, and cultivate healthier work environments. The very stability and resilience of the nation's economy hang in the balance.

Key Takeaways

• 57% of NZ workers report severe burnout due to job insecurity.
• Job insecurity is the primary driver of burnout, affecting 48.4% of workers.
• Burnout rates vary by profession, with educational and clerical workers most affected.
• Private sector workers are more likely to experience burnout (59.8%) than public sector (48.7%) and not-for-profit (40%) workers.
• Regional variations show Gisborne has the highest burnout rate (81.1%), while the South Island has the lowest.