Women are feeling burned out in the work place in increasingly wider numbers than men, according to new research from The Hartford. That’s something for executives off all types of companies to consider carefully, because the data also showed burned out workers are much more likely to look for a job.

Approximately 68 percent of female U.S. workers are reporting burnout at work, versus 52 percent of male workers, according to The Hartford’s July 2021 Future of Benefits Pulse Survey. That 16 percentage point difference compares to the survey The Hartford conducted in February, when 66 percent of women and 57 percent of men reported feeling burned out at work, reflecting a gap of 9 points.

The Hartford, whose businesses include employee benefits and absence management, said the results are cause for concern.

“This high level of burnout and growing gap for women should be cause for alarm for business leaders,” Jonathan Bennett, head of Employee Benefits at The Hartford, said in prepared remarks. “The need for flexibility in the workplace has never been greater as the lines between work and home continue to be blurred amid the pandemic. Fostering an open, inclusive work environment that provides flexibility is an important step in addressing burnout and helping employees remain productive at work.”

The Hartford’s latest survey showed the more burnout employees are experiencing, the more likely they are to look for a new job. Of the workers who say they are “extremely likely” to look for a new job in the next six months, 55 percent say they “always feel burned out” and 16 percent say they “often feel burned out.”

The July survey also found 37 percent of U.S. workers are likely to search for a job in the next six months. Of those looking, 74 percent said the driver to leave was a quest for better salary or wages; 44 percent were seeking career growth or a promotion. As well, 38 percent said better employer benefits, a more flexible work schedule and better workplace cultures were factors in seeking another job.

Not everyone is looking to leave their job, of course. Approximately 63 percent of employees said they would not be looking in the next six months, according to The Hartford. Of that number, 66 percent said that salary or wages were keeping them, 58 percent said employer benefits were a reason to stay, and 43 percent ranked flexible schedule as a major factor to stay put.

To help address workplace burnout, U.S. workers surveyed said they want their employers to offer a number of benefits.

• 22 percent want additional paid time off.
• 22 percent are seeking a four-day work week.
• 17 percent desire schedule flexibility.
• 13 percent want remote work options.
• 13 percent would like company-wide mental health days.
• 12 percent said they’d benefit from a lighter workload.

The Hartford conducted its national omnibus online survey in the U.S. among approximately 2,000 adults aged 18 and over, including 966 full-time and part-time employed respondents. The research was conducted July 27-30, 2021. The margin of error is +/- 3 percent at a 95 percent confidence level, The Hartford said.

Source: The Hartford