Burnout has become one of the most pressing issues facing today’s workforce. With growing demands, blurred boundaries between work and personal life, and rising stress levels, employees across industries are reaching their limit. According to the American Psychological Association’s 2023 Work in America Survey, 57% of employees reported experiencing negative impacts from work-related stress, including emotional exhaustion, loss of motivation, and lowered productivity.
While mental health initiatives are increasingly part of workplace strategies, support systems only work if employees understand what is available to them and how to use it. That’s where Total Rewards Communication plays a vital role.
Understanding Burnout and Why It Matters
Burnout is more than just fatigue; it is a chronic state of physical and emotional exhaustion that affects job satisfaction, productivity, and employee retention. Symptoms often go unnoticed or are dismissed until performance drops or turnover rises. Organizations that want to retain top talent must address burnout proactively with benefits that support mental health and clear communication that ensures those benefits are used.
PTO and Flexible Policies Are Part of the Solution
Paid Time Off (PTO) is one of the most powerful tools available to combat burnout, yet many employees hesitate to use it. Sometimes this is due to unclear policies, perceived stigma, or uncertainty about how much time they can take. According to APA, only 40% of employees say their employer offers a culture where time off is respected.
A strong Total Rewards Communication strategy helps break down these barriers by:
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● Clearly outlining PTO accrual and usage policies
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● Highlighting the importance of rest and recovery
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● Reinforcing cultural support for taking time off without guilt
Flexible work hours and hybrid arrangements can also ease the strain of rigid schedules and daily commuting. When communicated effectively, these policies empower employees to better balance their responsibilities and avoid chronic stress.
Don’t Let Mental Health Support Go Unused
Many companies now offer expanded mental health benefits: counseling sessions, meditation apps, EAPs, and wellness stipends. Among those surveyed by NAMI, 60% of employees know their employer offers mental health support. Despite the rise in offerings, many employees are still unaware of what is available. According to SHRM’s 2024 research, 1 in 4 employees say they don’t know how to access their mental health benefit. The disconnect is rarely about resources, it is about communication.
When mental health resources are included in onboarding, reinforced in ongoing Total Rewards materials, and explained in plain, approachable language, usage goes up. Visibility matters. That includes:
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● Highlighting free or subsidized counseling sessions
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● Including information about mental health apps and how to access them
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● Making support options easy to find on benefits portals and statements
Recognize Efforts to Build Emotional Resilience
Recognition can be a powerful antidote to burnout. Employees who feel seen and appreciated are less likely to experience emotional exhaustion. According to SHRM, 40% of workers say that recognition and appreciation contribute to their sense of fulfillment at work. Whether it is public praise, peer-to-peer acknowledgments, or performance-based rewards, reinforcing employee value is a key part of mental health strategy.
While this may seem separate from compensation, recognition is deeply tied to the Total Rewards experience. Including achievements or earned perks within Total Rewards Statements can reinforce employees’ sense of contribution and impact.
Communication Is the Missing Link
Even the most generous benefits package can fall short if it is not well communicated. During Mental Health Awareness Month, HR teams have an opportunity to close the gap between offering support and making sure employees actually use it.
By including mental health resources, PTO breakdowns, and flexible work policies within Total Rewards Statements and communications, you help employees feel supported, not just in theory, but in practice.
Supporting Mental Health Requires Clear Signals
Burnout prevention is not solved by a single perk or policy, it requires a culture that values rest, well-being, and transparency. Through consistent, accessible Total Rewards Communication, you can help your employees recognize when they need a break, understand the support available to them, and feel confident in using it.
Explore how backstitch can help enhance your Total Rewards Communication Strategy.
