IT sector sees growing burnout crisis
CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES — Burnout has become a persistent issue in the IT industry, with professionals reporting exhaustion at unprecedented levels.
Despite the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, the problem persists, exacerbated by mass layoffs and the relentless pace of technological advancement. This environment is creating a perfect storm of stress for IT workers, engineers, and cybersecurity professionals.
A recent survey by The Upwork Research Institute highlights the severity of the issue: 71% of full-time employees report feeling burnt out, with 65% struggling to meet employer productivity demands.
C-suite leaders acknowledge these pressures, with 81% recognizing increased demands on workers over the past year. However, many leaders are overly reliant on AI as a long-term solution, while in reality, AI is currently adding to the workloads of many IT employees.
The overwhelming workload
Data from a study by GoTo and OnePoll revealed that more than half of IT workers feel overwhelmed by daily responsibilities. They are only able to address 85% of their daily tickets, often taking on tasks outside their job descriptions, such as cybersecurity and internal security issues. This increased workload leaves little time for recovery and contributes significantly to burnout.
The Upwork report further indicates that employees are facing mounting demands to use AI tools (37%), expand their skill sets (35%), and take on additional responsibilities (30%). These pressures have led to high burnout rates across generations, with Gen Z experiencing the highest levels at 83%.
Disconnect between leaders and employees
Despite acknowledging employee struggles, 84% of C-suite leaders claim their organizations prioritize well-being over productivity. Yet, only 60% of employees agree with this sentiment.
This disconnect extends to artificial intelligence (AI) adoption; while 37% of leaders believe their workforce is skilled in AI tools, only 17% of employees feel confident using them.
Engineers and cybersecurity professionals hit hard
Burnout is particularly prevalent among engineers and cybersecurity professionals. According to the 2024 State of Engineering Management Report, 65% of engineers reported experiencing burnout in the past year.
Cybersecurity professionals are also considering job changes due to high stress and excessive workloads.
AI: A double-edged sword
While AI is seen as a potential solution to alleviate workloads, it currently adds pressure as workers struggle to upskill. Although 96% of C-suite leaders expect AI to boost productivity, organizations must ensure proper training and support for employees.
Combating burnout: A long-term commitment
Addressing burnout requires consistent effort from organizations. Improving employee engagement can lead to better retention and productivity.
As Microsoft’s Trend Index report suggests, companies that focus on engagement during economic uncertainty perform better financially. To curb burnout effectively, organizations must evaluate work-life balance and invest in resources that enhance the employee experience.
