Over recent months in the US, people have been resigning from their places of employment. True, many have done so in reaction to the COVID-19 vaccination requirements. However, there is another side to this phenomenon – people have been loaded with additional work and aren’t able to cope. This is leading to burnout.
Meet RichardÂ
Meet Richard (not his real name), who resigned after nine-and-a-half years in his job, citing burnout. He purposely gave up a successful career and stable paycheck, as he needed a break and quick. His work-life balance had gone completely off track, and he lost himself in the process. His fellow workers were earning 20% more than he was, making him feel undervalued even though he is resourceful and has the experience, but also available when needed. In reaction, Richard lashed out at his family, accusing them of wasting his time in the mornings − time he wanted to spend sitting at his desk checking his emails. Richard finally accepted that he needed to take a break − a slowdown was required. Albeit that an uncertain future frightened him, and letting go of the familiar was alarming, Richard believed in himself. And he believed in nurturing himself, rather than allowing mental issues to take hold and grow in his life. He knew that his decision would haunt him, but he was also curious to explore new possibilities.
Richard’s story is not unique
Instead, many average hardworking folks that you would never have thought would resign are resigning simply because they feel totally burnt out. Yes, Richard could have gone to his employer with a list of his tasks showing what he had been expected to do. He could have laid out the time each task takes for an efficient worker, showing his overload. However there could have been one of three reactions: the boss could have understood and looked at finding a solution; the boss could have stated that Richard was still required to cover all the set tasks; or thirdly, the boss could have been irritated by the interruption of his own time by a seemingly spurious complaint. Nevertheless, with people leaving their positions and others having to step in to take over their work, the pressure soon mounts.Â
There is a solution – using virtual assistants (remote assistants)
Using helpful and friendly virtual assistants is not to take over the work, but to step into the breach when necessary. A knowledgeable virtual assistant or online assistant is an online worker who helps on-site staff with their time-consuming and repetitive tasks. For instance, an online worker (executive assistant) can help to quickly manage an employee’s emails. Time spent poring over emails can be greatly reduced, allowing the employee to focus on their work. Alternatively, a virtual assistant can cover data entry or conduct research, which can help the employee with presentations.
Final notes
It is a fact that companies demand the maximum output from their workers. If one employee leaves, the job that has burnt him out will simply be laid on another worker, who may already be working to capacity. Companies must therefore find ways of improving efficiency quickly in the workplace − having skilled, reliable, highly paid workers do time-consuming work is not an efficient solution. Companies are better advised to engage the services of more affordable, super-flexible remote assistants. All mundane tasks can be offloaded onto a remote worker such as a remote personal assistant who will add value to your company without being overpriced.