Workplaces across the board have slipped back into the “go, go, go” pace, with a constant push for transformation that often leaves teams feeling overwhelmed and disengaged. In the latest episode of the Learning Geeks podcast, Brain Aware Training CEO, Dr. Britt Andreatta, delves into the science behind these pressing issues, sharing eye-opening insights and practical strategies to help leaders spearhead change effectively. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to better understand and combat the challenges of today’s fast-paced work environment. 

What is Change Fatigue? 

Change fatigue is the sense of frustration, apathy, and resistance that arises when employees are subjected to frequent organizational changes. It has become a constant in today’s work environments, driven by everything from technological advancements like AI to the aftermath of the pandemic. The statistics are alarming: the average employee now experiences over ten significant changes per year, up from just two in 2016. This surge in change has led to a dramatic drop in employees’ willingness to support change initiatives, from 74% in 2016 to just 38% today.

The Pandemic's Lasting Impact 

Harvard Business Review data reveals that employees’ ability to cope with change has plummeted to 50% of what it was pre-pandemic, as many employees are still reeling from the massive shifts they endured during COVID. The relentless pace of change has left many employees running on fumes, contributing to widespread burnout.

Understanding Burnout 

Burnout is more than just exhaustion—it's a medically diagnosable condition with severe implications for both mental and physical health. Dr. Andreatta outlines these main three components of burnout:

1. Emotional Exhaustion: Chronic fatigue, insomnia, impaired concentration, anxiety and physical issues like heart palpitations, stomach pain, and headaches.
2. Decreased Sense of Accomplishment: An unconquerable sense of futility, feeling that nothing you do makes any difference. This often drives the desire to change jobs, as employees feel their efforts are futile.
3. Detachment and Depersonalization: Perhaps the most dangerous, this leads to a depletion of empathy and compassion. It creates a loss of enjoyment in life, pessimism, and increased isolation. Burnout often requires medical intervention to recover from. 

Leading Through Change 

Dr. Andreatta offers valuable insights for leaders looking to support their teams through these challenging times. Above all, it’s crucial to recognize that resistance to change is a natural, human response, and not a sign of employee difficulty. By understanding the brain science behind change and burnout, leaders can better navigate these challenges and foster a healthier, more resilient workplace.

Ready to dive deeper? Tune in to the latest Learning Geeks podcast episode with Dr. Britt Andreatta to gain valuable insights on how change fatigue and burnout are impacting your organization—and what you can do about it. 

Listen to the full episode here and start making meaningful changes in your workplace.