Abstract
One of the biggest challenges in modern businesses is the financial impact of employee burnout and workplace anxiety. Estimates are that workplace mental health problems cost businesses $125,000-$190,000 (R2,275,000 - R3,458,000) per year for every 100 employees due to time lost at work (absenteeism, "presenteeism", and additional medical expenses). This research reviews the business consequences of workplace anxiety and burnout in Information Technology (IT) organisations. IT professionals have the highest burnout rate among all professionals, with a burnout rate of 54% to 69% compared to the general workforce. Additionally, prior studies have examined the individual impacts of workplace mental health problems but have not adequately investigated the contributions of management practices or the associated business consequences.
This study utilised an innovative approach that included a combination of a traditional qualitative research approach and digital sentiment analysis of YouTube comments to provide a direct, unfiltered voice of IT professionals regarding their workplace experiences. This methodology addresses key limitations of previous research methodologies that were potentially influenced by organisational politics or social desirability bias, thereby providing a deeper understanding of how workplace mental health problems translate into business consequences. The primary research objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of anxiety and burnout through a critical management perspective to understand the business implications of these concepts. The secondary objectives of this study included a detailed analysis of the effects of workplace mental health problems on organisational outcomes, a determination of the contributing factors specific to the IT industry that result in business consequences, and the development of a framework of alternative ways of organising IT work that can prevent negative business consequences.
By focusing on IT organisations as trend setters for the rest of the workforce, the study provides insights for multiple sectors utilising technology and management approaches similar to those utilised in the IT sector. These insights will enable other sectors to anticipate and avoid the business consequences of workplace anxiety and burnout before they occur. As organisations worldwide face increasing pressure to recruit and retain talent, foster innovation, and remain competitive, this study offers...