Many South Africans experience stress in the workplace that can lead to burnout. (Westend61/Getty Images)
- According to Gallup’s 2024 Global Workplace Report, while there has been slight improvement since 2023, many employees still feel stressed and burned out at work.
- The Mental Health Report ranks South Africa 69th out of 71 countries, with most people feeling stressed or struggling.
- The report also reveals that a significant proportion of South African workers feel so stressed on a daily basis that they either completely or actively disengage from their roles.
Poverty rates in South Africa are at an all-time high and having a job is almost a privilege, but the fact remains that many of South Africa’s workers are not particularly happy.
Recent Gallup Report South African workers are found to be experiencing high stress levels. The report found that around 36% of South African workers Reports They experience excessive stress every day, and over 71% have disengaged or actively disengaged from their roles.
Not only are employees reporting higher levels of stress and fatigue at work, they are also feeling lonely.
“Globally, one in five employees report feeling lonely frequently, with rates higher among employees under 35 and lower among those over 35. Fully remote employees report significantly higher levels of loneliness (25%) than fully onsite employees (16%),” the report states.
Making the workplace a better place
Research shows that while the responsibility for creating a productive and mentally healthy work environment lies primarily with management, employees also have the opportunity to address and manage stress.
Moloko Chepape, chief operating officer at Rosebank College, an independent educational institute, told News24:
It is important to understand the specific aspects of the job that lead to feelings of hatred and burnout.
“Is it the workload, lack of autonomy, unmotivated work or a toxic work culture? Identifying the exact contributing factors can help you decide whether to address these issues directly or consider more drastic changes.”
Chepape also suggests seeking support by having an open discussion with your manager or human resources department to discuss adjustments that might help reduce stress.
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He says developing coping strategies, such as setting clear boundaries between work and personal life, is key to managing stress effectively.
Another solution is to evaluate your career and decide to go in an entirely different direction: “Consider if it’s time to explore new career opportunities that are more aligned with your interests and values. Revisit the aspects of the work that originally brought you joy and use that as your guide to finding a more fulfilling career path,” he says.
Finally, he stresses the importance of prioritizing self-care, including regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and a nutritious diet, all of which are essential to preventing burnout.
– Information provided by Jigsaw PR on behalf of Stellenbosch Business School.
