HR Executive calls it The Great Burnout—94% of total rewards leaders are overwhelmed, and 88% of them report dreading work.¹ From answering the same employee questions repeatedly to scouring PDFs for the correct details on medical plans, work fatigue plagues the role, especially since the pandemic. 

This dilemma for those in human resources is not new; reports of stress have only increased since the pandemic. Here are some ways we’re seeing teams recoup productivity and regain balance:

1. Upgrade your communications channels to connect with a globally-dispersed, generationally-diverse workforce. 85% of workers say they don’t understand the benefits programs and plans their employers offer. Mobile apps, AI-powered internal communications channels, and supplementary communications vehicles can meet employees where they are—both in their lives and geographically—helping to reduce the number of questions they ask or even answer them automatically. 

2. Implement a comprehensive total rewards management platform. With multiple health plans as well as several well-being programs, total rewards teams are managing a lot for their employees. A strong, integrated total rewards management system provides a one-stop shop for HR leaders to find information on all their offerings and data quickly. 

3. Rely on decision support tools to supplement your team. A benefits decision support tool helps employees understand their healthcare insurance options and select the plan that makes the most sense, relieving HR teams of some time-consuming one-on-one conversations. 

4. Partner with the right compliance experts for your business. Regulatory changes at the state and federal levels remain constant, and staying on top of these issues requires time and expertise that HR teams can’t tackle on their own. 

The escalating workload and persistent stress that total rewards teams face demand proactive solutions to mitigate burnout and enhance productivity. We’ve covered some of the next steps for leaders looking to alleviate the burden on HR teams; by embracing these strategies, organizations can foster a more efficient and resilient work environment, ensuring that the well-being of employees remains a top priority while simultaneously driving organizational success in the face of evolving challenges.

¹Workvivo report as published in Forbes