Editorial
Burnout has become a global epidemic, cutting across industries and economies. According to a Korn Ferry survey, a shocking 89% of professionals report feeling burned out, with 81% saying it’s only gotten worse since the pandemic. Meanwhile, in the face of labor shortages, some leaders are championing grueling 70- or even 80-hour workweeks. But let’s be real—overwork comes with a hefty price: burnout, reduced productivity, soaring healthcare costs, and high turnover rates. Ultimately, it’s not just individuals who pay the price; society and economies bear the burden too, with rising healthcare expenses and depleted workforces.
Healthcare, already short 10 million workers by 2030, faces a breaking point. Across industries, women juggle careers and home, leading to alarming attrition rates. So, what’s the fix? From self-awareness and boundary-setting to strategic leadership approaches, burnout demands action.
In this edition of This Week in Consulting, we untangle the burnout web, exploring root causes and actionable solutions. Ready to reclaim balance? Dive in and join the conversation—your well-being might just depend on it.
Laurent THOMAS
Chairman Consulting Quest
This week’s must read
In this edition of This Week in Consulting, we untangle the burnout web, exploring root causes and actionable solutions.
Kearney highlights the global healthcare labour shortage, emphasizing employee satisfaction as critical to addressing burnout and retaining talent. Key strategies include better compensation, flexible scheduling, career development, and reducing administrative tasks through technology. Enhancing the employee value proposition is essential to ensuring a motivated workforce and delivering high-quality patient care.
This week’s media
Burnout is widespread, especially among women juggling work and home responsibilities, leading to attrition and potential talent crises. The “Women in the Workplace” report explores these challenges. Hear McKinsey senior partners Alexis Krivkovich and Lareina Yee discuss findings, followed by Sven Smit sharing his experience of prioritizing family over work.
Thought Leadership
A Korn Ferry survey shows 89% of professionals face burnout, with 81% feeling worse since the pandemic began. Experts advise against quitting abruptly, instead suggesting boundary-setting, social engagement, and pursuing meaningful work. By addressing burnout proactively, employees can rediscover balance and purpose.
Deloitte explores employee well-being as a strategic priority, urging organisations to address burnout and adopt relationship-focused, hybrid-friendly approaches. Strategies include flexible well-being programmes, leadership coaching, and workforce analytics. By connecting purpose to values and fostering inclusivity, businesses can enhance engagement, retention, and productivity.
Accelo dispels the myth that burnout is solely due to overwork, highlighting its links to fair treatment, leadership, and workload management. Strategies include enforcing work-life balance, investing in quality management, distributing workload fairly, and leveraging tailored technology. A holistic approach ensures productivity while safeguarding employee well-being.
Accenture highlights the causes and solutions for burnout among women, emphasising self-awareness, support systems, and setting boundaries. By prioritising emotional and physical wellbeing, learning to say ‘no,’ and disconnecting from work, women can overcome stress, revitalise themselves, and thrive. Seeking help and letting go of ‘Superwoman’ expectations are essential.
This week’s consulting news selection
Telescope Advisory Partners, a Munich-based strategy consulting boutique, joins Analysys Mason, backed by Bridgepoint since 2022, to enhance transaction support and innovation strategies in technology, media, and telecoms.|
Trivandi acquires The Bulb, a global sustainability consultancy, advancing its mission to create impactful experiences. The partnership integrates sustainability expertise into Trivandi’s projects, delivering actionable, forward-looking solutions through a unified approach.|
MediaSense acquires R3, expanding its reach in North America and Asia and enhancing services across marketing operations, creative, and media, following its growth strategy backed by Apiary Capital since 2021.|
Xebia partners with Miro to transform business collaboration and innovation, combining expertise to help teams move from ideas to outcomes faster and scale effectively.|
Laurent is the Chairman and Co-founder of Consulting Quest. Focused on greater value creation, and being thoroughly familiar with Consulting, Laurent has sourced and sold millions of dollars worth of Consulting over the course of his career. Prior to joining Consulting Quest, Laurent was Executive Vice President Oil and Gas at Solvay and Senior Partner Transformation at Oliver Wyman.
