Finally, there's an easy, albeit small way to combat the Great Resignation
Is there anything more infuriating than cleaning out your inbox only for a new email to arrive?
Emails have become so ubiquitous in the workplace that many employees feel overwhelmed and stressed out by the sheer volume they receive, which can impact their well-being and performance. That’s especially relevant during Mental Health Awareness Month, in which HRD America has provided plenty of insight and strategies from HR leaders to help you support your employees’ mental wellbeing.
Read more: 7 ways to manage negative email at work
Nearly 90% of respondents claim the daily task of sorting through an inbox of unopened emails or messages is one of the most unpleasant aspects of work, according to a recent survey by Wakefield Research. Another 38% say email fatigue is likely to push them to resign.
That’s a startling statistic during the Great Resignation, in which companies across the United States are experiencing historic turnover. More than 60 million Americans have quit their jobs over the past year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In March, more Americans than ever before – 4.54 million – fled their employer. That’s an increase of 152,000 from February and higher than the former record of 4.53 million in November 2021. The professional and business services sector, as well as the construction industry, saw the most resignations.
If HR doesn’t address the mental health of employees and offer as much assistance as possible, that mass exodus will continue.
Of course, nobody receives more emails than the professional and business services sector. The inherent characteristics of email can make gauging its true intent a little difficult. For instance, as a written medium, emails lack emotional cues such as tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language. So, a straightforward email from a manager asking for an update could come across as a critical judgement of an employee’s pace in getting things done.
For seven ways to manage negative email at work, click here.
