As we head into Mental Health Month, it’s time to start thinking about how to prioritize employee mental health.

A recent Forbes article by Julian Hayes II (“Employee Burnout: The Hidden Threat Costing Companies Millions,” 3/17/25) sheds light on a pressing issue: employee burnout is silently draining companies of millions annually.

As a matter of fact, according to a study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, burnout is costing companies between $4,000 and $21,000 per employee per year in lost productivity, absenteeism, and disengagement. Add to that the steep costs of attrition—including recruiting, onboarding, and lost institutional knowledge—and the price of doing nothing becomes staggering.

A 2024 survey involving over 12,000 participants revealed that 82% of the workforce is at risk of burnout. Forbes

Burnout isn’t just about physical exhaustion; it’s a multifaceted problem affecting:

• emotional well-being
• productivity
• organizational culture

When employees are overwhelmed, their engagement drops, creativity wanes, and turnover rates spike—all of which have tangible impacts on the bottom line.

In my work with leaders and teams, I’ve observed that burnout often stems from a lack of emotional intelligence in leadership and a culture that doesn’t prioritize well-being. It’s not enough to offer wellness programs or occasional mental health days; organizations need a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of burnout.

This is where cultivating emotionally intelligent managers become crucial.
Leaders who can:

?? recognize signs of stress
?? communicate effectively
?? foster a supportive environment

can make a significant difference. It’s about creating a culture where employees feel valued, heard, and empowered to take care of their mental health.

Implementing structured programs that focus on burnout prevention from the inside out can equip teams with the tools they need to manage stress proactively. By addressing burnout at its core, organizations not only enhance employee well-being but also drive productivity and reduce attrition.

The data is clear: ignoring burnout is no longer an option. It’s time for organizations to take a proactive stance, investing in strategies that promote a healthy, engaged, and resilient workforce.

By investing in burnout prevention strategies, like the Banish Burnout programs, organizations can save significant dollars while strengthening team resilience.

Prevention isn’t just good for people—it’s smart business.

Have you checked out our new Banish Burnout Academy?

Let me know what you think.

#BanishBurnout #Productivity #Retention #BottomLine