Business
OFM Business Hour: 'Burnout leave' might be the solution for SA's stressed workforce─── TSHEHLA KOTELI 06:09 Tue, 01 Nov 2022
Burnout can be defined as chronic work-related stress that is not being successfully managed, having an effect on an employee's well-being. However, will burnout leave be the solution for employees and employers in South Africa?
Lyle Markham, a lecturer in Industrial Psychology from the University of the Free State, says burnout consists of different dimensions, namely physical exhaustion, reduced accomplishment and mental impairment.
"According to research, work-related burnout can be caused by tight deadlines, long working hours and overworking. Looking at the country’s context, currently South Africa’s legislation does not offer sufficient protection to employees regarding mental illness that is caused by burnout," he explains.
Markham adds that there have been different organisations in the country advocating for something similar to burnout leave, such as allowing employees to disconnect when not at work – like not replying or looking at work-related messages.
"Burnout has also been advocated to be added to the medical conditions that are acknowledged by the department of labour and also for burnout leave to be added to the Department of Labour’s compensation fund."
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He further states that burnout leave will obviously have an impact on the economy of the country, as now more people will be inclined to discuss their goals with their bosses, while some will be less confident in their performance. "There might be more people hunting for jobs because of this kind of leave. Burnout leave will have consequences for any country in the world."
However, the benefits that burnout leave can add to our workspaces are more productive employees, less absenteeism and less burden on employers to cover costs related to burnout. Markham also believes that, in the long run, burnout leave will lead to staff retention.
"Having no burnout leave can lead to presentism – which is when people are just physically present at work but not productive."
In conclusion, he says that as a country, it must be recognised that burnout is a distinguishable disease, and there should be guidelines that will help employers notice the signs of burnout in their employees.
"Another thing that can be done is regular working hours can maybe be reduced to maybe 40 hours per week, but that is a debate that will need to be had in parliament."
