5 things tech employers can do to reduce employee fatigue

To say that the US is home to a huge job market, especially technology, would be a gross understatement. According to data published by the International Trade Administration, an agency of the US Department of Commerce that promotes the export of non-farm products and services, the US is home to a third of the $5 trillion global information technology market, making it the largest technology market in the world. But that is not everything; there is much more to it than that.

The same data from the International Trade Administration showed that the technology industry accounts for nearly $2 trillion of U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) in value added and some 12 million jobs. Yes, you read that right: 12 million jobs. The software and electronic devices we use in our professional and personal lives have helped make the US a leader in the global technology market.

In terms of technology companies, the US is home to more successful companies than any other country. And these are the same ones that have created the roughly 12 million tech jobs that help keep unemployment rates low and the country’s economy thriving. Based on market capitalization, some of the largest and most successful technology companies in the US include the following:

• Apple

• Alphabet (Google)

• Microsoft

• meta

• Dell Technologies

• Intel

• IBM

• PK

• Tesla

• Cisco systems

The one thing these companies have in common is that they are all highly competitive. And that competitiveness is the mechanism that drives their marketing strategies, fuels their innovations, and enables them to market the software and devices most of us use in our daily lives.

To achieve these things, many companies offer incentive financial incentives to force employees to work harder and longer than they otherwise would. Some even go so far as to make overtime compulsory. Studies show that estimated 18% of employees in the US work 60 hours or more per week. And instead of the usual 40-hour work week, many work 47 hours a week. These long hours can, and often will, take a toll on an employer’s workforce.

Related: How to deal with employee burnout

Workers at some of America’s largest technology companies report feeling fatigued and burnt out

According to ZDNet, an esteemed business technology news website, roughly speaking 2 out of 5 technical employees say they want to quit their tech job due to excessive stress, exhaustion and poor work-life balance. A separate study published by CNBC echoed the same as describing the state of affairs Microsofta multinational technology Corporation and the world’s largest supplier of computer software. The survey found that about 50% of employees and 53% of managers said they often felt burnt out at work.

In the rapidly changing world of technology, burnout and fatigue among employees are becoming more and more common. With long work days, tight deadlines, and a constant need to stay on top of the latest technologies, tech workers can quickly become overwhelmed and exhausted. Here are some ways to reduce tech worker fatigue in 2023:

Related: Become a better leader by helping your team manage stress

5 things tech employers can do to boost employee morale and combat workplace fatigue

1. Promote work-life balance: It is essential to encourage tech workers to maintain a healthy work-life balance. This can be achieved by setting reasonable working hours, offering flexible working arrangements and encouraging employees to take regular breaks. I am also a big believer in offering employees extra days off when needed, especially if they are dealing with stressful personal life issues.

2. Promote a positive work culture: A positive work culture can significantly reduce employee fatigue. By fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment, tech workers are more likely to feel valued and motivated. I like to have employee game meetings with awards where the sole purpose of the meetings is to have fun and not talk about work.

3. Offer training and development opportunities: Regular training and development opportunities can keep tech employees engaged and motivated. It can also help build their skills and knowledge, reducing the chance of fatigue from feeling overwhelmed or unprepared. These training opportunities may be directly related to their job or personal skills they wish to develop. I once paid for a cooking class for an employee because they were stressed about cooking for their family every night. The fact that this class had nothing to do with their work made it even more rewarding for this person.

4. Provide mental health care: It is essential to prioritize mental health and resources and provide support to employees who are struggling with burnout or fatigue. This may include access to counseling, stress management workshops and other resources to help employees manage their mental health. I also allow my employees to take extra days off as needed to help them relax and not be so stressed about their job responsibilities.

5. Recognize and reward employees: Recognizing and rewarding employees for their hard work and contributions can help boost morale and reduce fatigue. This can be achieved through bonuses, promotions or other incentives that recognize employees’ efforts and contributions.

In short, reducing tech worker fatigue is essential to maintaining a productive and healthy workforce. By encouraging work-life balance, fostering a positive work culture, offering training and development opportunities, mental health support, and recognizing and rewarding employees, technology leaders can help employees stay engaged, motivated, and energized.

Related: High-stress companies need to invest in employee mental health