A high percentage of South Africans are experiencing workplace stress that could lead to burnout. (Westend61/Getty Images)
- Gallup’s 2024 Global Workplace report has shared that many employees are still stressed out and experiencing workplace fatigue despite a marginal improvement since 2023.
- According to the Mental Health Report, South Africa is ranked 69th out of 71 countries, with most people feeling stressed or having a hard time.
- The report also reveals that a significant percentage of the South African workforce experiences excessive daily stress and is either fully or actively disengaging in their roles.
With poverty levels at an all-time high in South Africa, having a job is pretty much a privilege. This doesn’t diminish the fact that many of the employees in South Africa are not particularly happy.
A recent report by Gallup reveals South African employees are experiencing high stress levels. According to the report, approximately 36% of South Africa’s workforce reports experiencing excessive stress daily, while more than 71% are either disengaged or actively disengaged in their professional roles.
Not only are employees reporting high levels of stress and workplace fatigue, but they are also lonely.
“Globally, one in five employees report experiencing loneliness frequently. This percentage is higher for employees under 35 and lower for those over 35. Fully remote employees report significantly higher levels of loneliness (25%) than those who work fully on-site (16%),” reads a passage from the report.
Making the workplace a better space
Research indicates that although management is mainly responsible for creating a productive and mentally healthy workplace, employees also have opportunities to address and manage their stress.
Moloko Chepape, chief operations officer (COO) at The Independent Institute of Education’s Rosebank College, shared with News24:
Understanding the specific aspects of your job that contribute to feelings of hatred and burnout is crucial.
“Is it the workload, lack of autonomy, uninspiring tasks or a toxic workplace culture? Pinpointing the exact factors can help you determine the path forward, whether addressing these issues directly or contemplating a more dramatic change.”
Chepape also suggests seeking support by engaging in open conversations with supervisors or HR to discuss potential adjustments that could help reduce stress.
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He shares that developing coping strategies, such as establishing clear boundaries between your professional and personal life, is key to managing stress effectively.
Another solution could be assessing your career and deciding on venturing in a completely different direction. “Consider whether it’s time to explore new career opportunities that align more closely with your interests and values. Revisit the aspects of your job that initially brought you joy and use them as a guide to find a more fulfilling career path,” he shares.
Lastly, he emphasises the importance of prioritising self-care, such as regular physical activity, sufficient sleep, and a nutritious diet, which are essential to prevent burnout.
– Information supplied by Jigsaw PR on behalf of Stellenbosch Business School.
