'Moral burnout' | What is this emerging wellbeing issue and how will it impact HR?

Burnout is far from a new phenomenon in the workplace. As described by the World Health Organisation, the issue encompasses symptoms such as exhaustion, disengagement, and reduced productivity as a result of overworking.

However, new research has revealed that a new type of burnout is emerging this year due to moral injury and moral stress experienced in the workplace.

‘Moral burnout’, as it’s being dubbed, describes damage done to an employee's conscience or moral compass. It can occur when someone engages in, fails to prevent, or witnesses acts that conflict with their values or beliefs. This can also occur when an individual experiences betrayal by people they trust, especially when this is perceived as avoidable or they are powerless to change it.

It can also lead to cognitive and emotional impairment as the result of a traumatic or toxic environment that violates a person’s moral or ethical code. This leads to brain fog, forgetfulness, slower reaction time and general inability to be engaged in present actions.