Employees Struggle With Work- From- Home Burnout As They Hesitate To Ask For Leave

The coronavirus pandemic forced companies to adopt 'work from home' to ensure employees remain safe. But long hours and erratic schedules are bringing employees to the brink of a burnout.

(Representative Image/ Getty)

New Delhi: The pandemic put a stop to “normal life”, the new norm is to work from home in your pyjamas while trying to keep the house in order and kids entertained. All of this juggling is making people log in more work hours to make up for the lost time to a point where they are reaching exhaustion. Various companies have let 90% of their employees work from home and they are relying on technology to serve all functional purposes. But while work from home may seem ideal, overworking and burning out have become a massive side effect. People are reporting various health issues like headaches, weakened eyesight, spondylitis, and mental health issues like anxiety and insomnia. According to a recent survey by the job search website Monster.com, more than 50 percent of work from home employees are feeling burnt out. Employees feel compelled to log in more hours as they are not in their usual work environment and therefore feel like they need to work more in order to meet their regular load. Some employers are also adding pressure on to their employees as they feel that home space with children, family members, and house chores are distracting elements that may eat away the employees’ work time. Some offices are addressing this issue, by implementing new techniques and practices to help their employees. For example, according to media reports, software company SAP India has adopted a part-time working policy where employees can choose to work 50%, 60%, or 80% of their regular workload. The company also has sabbatical policies for those who wish to take time off work for personal and professional development outside work. Other companies such as insurance aggregator Policy Bazaar have given assurance of job security to their employees to allay fears. Wipro is also in constant communication and encourages its employees to take a break to rejuvenate themselves. Psychologists suggest that knowing when to say ‘no’ when your employer or family member is making irrational demands is key. Aside, from which holidays or a weekly off, setting a working time and staying away from electronics after your work-time to spend time with family or just by yourself can help ease your mind. Meditation and Yoga can also help with stress management.