Work-related burnout among legal professionals is at ‘crisis point’ as nearly a quarter (22%) of accountants have experienced it within the last six months, a new survey by music licensing company PPL PRS has found.
The survey* of nearly 200 Brits working in the legal sector found that nearly a third (29%) have experienced burnout in the last month alone.
The research also revealed that the main contributors to burnout at work were a heavy workload (60%), long working hours (42%) and unrealistic expectations (36%).
The professionals surveyed said that burnout impacted their work life by causing a lack of motivation (49%), feelings of frustration (44%) and being overwhelmed by small things (38%).
Burnout also impacted their personal lives, as respondents reported the inability to relax (52%) or sleep (44%), and anxiety (43%).
The survey from PPL PRS also revealed the methods legal professionals are using to cope with the effects of burnout.
Music was cited as the number one choice to help cope with burnout, with a third (33%) saying it’s their ‘go to’ coping method. Other methods include regular exercise (29%) and spending time with friends and family (28%).
Marianne Rizkallah, music therapist for PPL PRS, explains why music can help alleviate a sense of stress or burnout in the workplace.
She says, “It’s no secret that music is the key to helping many of us unlock our productivity and feel more focused. It can also help us when we’re feeling unmotivated, stuck, or stressed.
“In the workplace, we don’t often consider the soundtrack we have and will usually be so focused on tasks that music blends into the background. Yet considering how music can leave us feeling positive, less stressed and happier, it’s no wonder that the music we hear at work should also be doing that too.
“A silent office can seem intimidating, making it harder for people to speak up or to ask for help. Yet equally working with a booming soundtrack can be distracting and hard for concentration, so it’s important to find a happy medium. This might involve letting employees take turns in what is played or agreeing on a calm playlist that makes the workplace a productive place to be.”
Lisa Gilligan, Office Managing Partner at Leicester law firm Freeths, says:
“The legal industry attracts individuals who enjoy working in a fast-paced environment where standards are high and the potential stress and long hours can have a negative impact. Wellbeing is so important and we do all we can to provide a supportive framework for our staff.
“Hearing your favourite song playing in the office can give you a mood boost and create lighter moments that give respite to more intense work sprints. Wellbeing activities in the office are also elevated as music can create a more positive relaxing atmosphere. It can also reflect the diversity of the firm and promote inclusivity”
Leadership coach Debbie Green, explains how employers can keep burnout in the workplace in check:
“Staff that are burnt out, stressed out or anxious at work aren’t going to be producing their best, and this can have a huge impact on a business as well as the rest of the staff.
“As an employer, it’s important to lead by example and to set boundaries for your staff with a clear work/life balance. This is particularly useful for younger employees who might be keen to show their best side and not realise the impact of staying late or doing more than their hours.
“It’s also important to consider how important praise can be and ensure that good work is seen to be rewarded. Regularly acknowledging hard work, great results, or even just brilliant moments when a team has worked together and supported each other can make it clear that work is a positive place to be.”
