Layoffs can mean workplace burnout for those spared

Although layoffs might be essential for an organization to stay afloat financially, they can hurt both those who lose their jobs and those who don’t. A recent survey by CareerBuilder found that layoffs mean the staff that remains must do more work and this is starting to take its toll.

The company surveyed workers at companies that have experienced layoffs and discovered that to handle the extra workload, employees are spending more time at the office, working longer hours or weekends. 47 percent say they have taken on more work as a result and 37 percent saying they are now doing the work of two people. Nearly a third, 30 percent, say they are burned out.

“It’s critical that managers and employees work together to prioritize and to set realistic expectations, so work demands feel attainable and less overwhelming,” says Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources at CareerBuilder. She suggests employees work with bosses to establish reasonable timelines for projects, and consider asking for flexible work arrangements. CareerBuilder also has compiled a list of symptoms and strategies for dealing with burnout.