Intervening Upstream: Why Firms Must Lead in Preventing Burnout

Burnout is a hot topic right now. Here is the problem: Preventing burnout is a two-way street. Yes, individuals have the responsibility to learn and use techniques to manage their stress, obligations, well-being, and mental health. But firms and legal organizations also bear responsibility for creating systems and workplaces that do not create scenarios where burnout is all but inevitable.

​Burnout is defined as a result of chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. ​ It is characterized by feelings of exhaustion, increased mental distance from one's job, and reduced professional efficacy. ​ The World Health Organization (WHO) states that both individuals and organizations have a responsibility to manage workplace stressors. ​

The article highlights the negative impact of burnout on both individuals and organizations. ​ It leads to mistakes, attrition, increased expenses, absenteeism, and client dissatisfaction. The author argues that leaders often misunderstand burnout and may unintentionally make it worse by dismissing it or treating it as the same as stress. ​ Individualistic solutions like taking time off or practicing self-care are not sufficient to address burnout. ​

Jennifer Moss emphasizes that burnout is about the organization, not the individual. ​ While tools like yoga, vacation time, and wellness apps can help individuals feel healthier, they are not the cure for burnout. ​ Moss suggests that organizations need to take responsibility for creating a work environment that prevents burnout. ​

The article provides several recommendations for organizations to combat burnout. ​ These include creating psychological safety, providing flexibility and autonomy, managing workload and resources effectively, celebrating wins and showing gratitude, and discussing meaning and purpose in the workplace.

​It’s time to look at our firms and organizations, quit pulling people out of the river, and start going upstream to figure out why people keep falling into the river of burnout.