A new rehab centre has been opened in the UK for employees suffering from burnout in the workplace.
In 2019, the World Health Organisation (WHO) officially recognised burnout as a medical condition for the first time.
It has been described as a “syndrome” caused by “chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.” According to the WHO, it exhibits three main symptoms which include feeling constantly exhausted, becoming increasingly mentally distanced from one’s job and reduced professional efficiency.
Previously, HRreview reported that almost 60 per cent of HR professionals noticed their colleagues suffering from symptoms of burnout, reportedly caused by ‘leavism’ which is working during non-paid hours or annual leave.
The rehab centre, Delamere, is to open in Cheshire by the end of 2019 and will offer holistic treatment with guests expecting to spend a stint of four to six weeks there. The cost of treatment and residence will start at £3,500 per week. It has been founded by Martin Preston
Professor Sir Cary Cooper, who has written numerous books on wellbeing and sits on the advising board of the clinic said:
If you look at the figures from the HSE, 57 per cent of all sickness absence last year was down to stress, anxiety and depression.
Bigger companies already understand the value of investing in helping their staff to overcome things like this when they arise. SMEs would do well to follow their lead.
In terms of bottom line, helping and retaining a valuable member of staff is often going to be much more cost effective than recruiting and developing someone new.
If you want to get the most out of people you have to nurture them, protect them and support them.
The rehab centre will also help individuals suffering from alcoholism and substance abuse.
Interested in wellbeing? We recommend the Workplace Wellbeing and Stress Forum 2019.
Monica Sharma is an English Literature graduate from the University of Warwick. As Editor for HRreview, her particular interests in HR include issues concerning diversity, employment law and wellbeing in the workplace. Alongside this, she has written for student publications in both England and Canada. Monica has also presented her academic work concerning the relationship between legal systems, sexual harassment and racism at a university conference at the University of Western Ontario, Canada.
