Corporate Wellness Week 2025

Burnout is no longer a marginal problem; it has become a workplace crisis. Recognised by the World Health Organization, it occurs when job demands consistently exceed available resources and support. According to a 2024 Gallup report, 71% of employees are disengaged, making them highly vulnerable to burnout.

This Corporate Wellness Week, Life Healthcare places the spotlight on this silent condition that brings severe effects, including cognitive and physical impairments, exhaustion, increased anxiety, substance abuse, and even suicidality. If left unaddressed, burnout can lead to serious physiological impacts like heart disease, systemic inflammation, structural and functional brain changes, and even premature death.

Life Health Solutions’ latest whitepaper, Burnout: The Silent Crisis Affecting the Workforce, highlights the worrying impact of burnout on organisations. According to Prof Renata Schoeman, Head of the MBA in Healthcare Leadership at Stellenbosch Business School, the direct cost of burnout leads to increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, poor work performance, mistakes, and high employee turnover – all quantifiably impacting the organisation’s bottom line. A survey by Deloitte further highlights the need for better workplace well-being, with 64% of managers stating they’d consider changing jobs in pursuit of it.

“By mitigating burnout risks, leaders can protect their most valuable asset – their people – while fostering a resilient and productive workforce,” says Safia Joseph, a Life Health Solutions psychologist.

Burnout not only erodes individual well-being but also has the potential to damage team dynamics and company culture. Disengaged employees are less likely to innovate, collaborate, or stay with the organisation long-term. For leaders, the challenge lies in recognising burnout before it becomes a retention issue and acting decisively to re-engage affected employees.

Joseph outlines that while the data may be concerning, there are practical strategies to reignite motivation and build a healthier work environment. Some of the key strategies an organisation may want to consider in combating burnout could include building capacity to foster resilience through tailored wellness initiatives and skill-building programmes, including mindfulness workshops, flexible work policies, and resilience training.

Acknowledging employees by celebrating their achievements to restore a sense of purpose is a simple and practical way to contribute to combat burnout. Joseph adds that it’s important for leaders to communicate organisational goals clearly while showing empathy for the challenges their teams face.

“Frequent, open and transparent communication with employees builds trust”, she says.

Additional solutions may include providing resources or accessible tools such as self-help apps, counselling services, and ongoing wellbeing initiatives. Working closely with teams to ensure tasks are achievable and aligned with their strengths is also important.

Burnout doesn’t stop at employees. Executives and C-Suite employees are also victims of the condition. The Deloitte survey highlights the need for better workplace well-being, with 75% of C-suite employees seriously considering quitting due to burnout compared to 69% last year.

Leaders face immense pressure to guide teams, meet organisational goals, and navigate uncertainty, which can leave them feeling drained. “Burnout at the leadership level has a cascading impact, impairing decision-making, reducing empathy, and affecting team morale”, explains Joseph. 

According to the Life Health Solutions whitepaper, strategies for leaders to protect themselves against burnout starts with setting boundaries to protect personal time by modelling a healthy work-life balance. Additionally, they should consider leveraging peer networks, mentors, or executive coaching to share challenges and solutions.  

“Regular exercise, mindfulness, and adequate rest are critical for maintaining resilience”, adds Joseph. Leaders should consider at least an annual visit to an Executive Wellness Clinic where they can access comprehensive health services, often including on-site blood testing, primary care, biokinetics, nutrition, and reflexology.

Burnout in the workplace is a solvable challenge, but it requires commitment and strategy from business leaders. By proactively addressing the causes, bolstering resilience, and creating a culture of openness, organisations can re-engage their workforce and build a healthier, more productive future.

Learn about Life Health Solutions and their employee wellness programmes and health risk management services here.