Well-being in the Workplace: Empowering Newcomers to Overcome Burnout

Every year, on April 28th, the world commemorates the « World Day for Safety and Health at Work. » This day is a crucial reminder of the importance of creating safe and healthy working environments for all individuals’ well-being. However, amidst discussions about workplace safety, it’s equally imperative to address the issue of burnout, particularly among newcomers in the workforce.

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), approximately 2.78 million workers die each year from occupational accidents and work-related diseases. Furthermore, there are around 374 million non-fatal work-related injuries and illnesses annually, resulting in significant human suffering and economic losses. The World Day for Safety and Health at Work aims to raise awareness of these issues and promote measures to create safer workplaces worldwide.

There are many reasons an employee may sustain an injury at the workplace, ranging from inadequate safety measures and equipment malfunctions to factors like workplace stress, burnout, and overall well-being concerns.  In this blog we will be focusing on more on the mental health aspect with burnout, the concerns, the sad truth in numbers and how to promote a well-balanced workplace.  

Burnout: A Global Concern:

Burnout is a pervasive issue affecting employees across various industries and demographics. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), burnout is characterized by feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion, increased mental distance from one’s job, and reduced professional efficacy. It not only impacts individual well-being but also contributes to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and higher turnover rates within organizations.

For newcomers entering the workforce, the challenges associated with adapting to a new environment can exacerbate the risk of burnout. Whether it’s navigating cultural differences, language barriers, or unfamiliar work dynamics, newcomers often face additional stressors that can strain their mental and emotional well-being. This is why therapy that focus on cultural differences and language barriers will help and give an impactful session when thinking of the well-being of the individual.

Workplace burnout can manifest differently in individuals, and recognizing the symptoms is crucial for early intervention

While specific indicators may vary, there are common signs to watch out for:

• Persitent feelings of exhaustion and fatigue
• Decreased productivity and engagement
• Emotional detachment and cynicism toward work
• Increased errors and difficulty concentrating
• Physical symptoms such as headaches or muscle tension

From our article: Crushing the Curse of Workplace Burnout: Empowering Employees for Resilience and Success to get further information on burnout.

Here are some statistics when we think about “Safety and Health at Work” with well-being, mental health and burnout.

The American Psychological Association (APA) found that nearly 50% of new employees experience burnout within their first two years on the job.
Journal of Occupational Health Psychology suggests that immigrants are more likely to experience burnout compared to their native-born counterparts due to factors such as acculturative stress and discrimination.

A study by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) revealed that 76% of Canadian newcomers reported high levels of stress related to their employment situation, with 45% indicating that they were unsure of how to handle workplace stress effectively.

To combat burnout among newcomers and promote their well-being in the workplace, organizations can implement various strategies.

• Provide cultural sensitivity training to foster understanding and inclusivity within the workplace.
• Offer mentorship programs to support newcomers in navigating the challenges of their new role and environment.
• Encourage open communication and create channels for newcomers to express concerns and seek support.
• Promote and educate work-life balance initiatives, such as flexible scheduling and wellness programs, to help mitigate stress and prevent burnout.

On the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, let us commit to creating workplaces that prioritize the safety, health, and well-being of all individuals. By addressing burnout among newcomers and implementing proactive measures to support their integration and success, we can foster inclusive and thriving work environments for everyone.