In 2023, we’re already at 75% of the total number of employees laid off last year. As large scale redundancies are causing remaining employees to overwork, a new study finds a fifth of employees are working through poor mental health.
An unprecedented wave of layoffs is taking place across technology and startup companies, and remaining employees are under pressure to take on larger workloads to make up for headcount shortfalls.
In just 2023 so far, over 128,000 employees across 482 companies have been let go, which is around 75% of the tech and startup workforce who lost their job across the whole of 2022. Such companies include Google, Meta, Amazon and Microsoft.
In the tech industry, the number of weekend hours employees are working has soared by 31% according to a report by ActivTrak – and this is primarily due to the squeeze on teams caused by layoffs.
Plus, a study by Yerbo found that two in five IT workers are at high risk of burnout, prompted by longer hours and more demanding workloads, with 42% of them considering quitting their company within the next six months.
Overworked employees experiencing deteriorating mental health
Overworking is heightening strains on employee health and wellbeing. A recent study of 1000 UK employees finds over a third (34%) have experienced worsening mental health over the last year, with just under a third (31%) experiencing their physical health deteriorate too.
Plus, 22% of workers in the UK have worked through low mental health instead of taking sick leave over the last year.
A staggering 85% of employees want their company to be more proactive in boosting employee health, wellbeing and healthy habits.
- 33% of employees think training managers to provide better support is the answer
- 32% of workers believe in promoting the use of sick leave when people are struggling with physical or mental health
- 25% of employees want access to stress management training
Claire Brown, qualified life and career coach, says:
“Companies should encourage employees to contribute to the organisation of tasks, duty and priorities. And employees at every possible level should be invited to participate in devising an in-house stress management policy.
“Employees must also be encouraged to prioritise their health & wellbeing above productivity by taking regular breaks from the screen and getting fresh air, where possible. Providing alternative and innovative ways for connection and communication between team members is also really valuable.
“By adopting a flexible attitude and approach to how and when work is completed, companies can alleviate some of the pressure and mental strain. As always, communication is key. It’s important for employers to be fair and realistic about what is possible and provide practical support to help team members manage their workloads.”
Uma Rajagopal has been managing the posting of content for multiple platforms since 2021, including Global Banking & Finance Review, Asset Digest, Biz Dispatch, Blockchain Tribune, Business Express, Brands Journal, Companies Digest, Economy Standard, Entrepreneur Tribune, Finance Digest, Fintech Herald, Global Islamic Finance Magazine, International Releases, Online World News, Luxury Adviser, Palmbay Herald, Startup Observer, Technology Dispatch, Trading Herald, and Wealth Tribune. Her role ensures that content is published accurately and efficiently across these diverse publications.