British businesses face low employee morale & productivity

British business leaders are investing in technological innovation alongside HR strategies to boost employee morale and productivity, according to new research by process mining and process intelligence leader Celonis.

A survey of 500 UK business leaders found that 81 percent of organizations are struggling with low employee morale with more than a quarter (27 percent) of leaders stating that employee stress and burnout is holding back productivity.

The most common cause of stress and burnout is workers feeling overstretched due to a lack of time to manage their tasks, an issue that could be eased through artificial intelligence (AI) powered automation.

AI-led technologies can address employee stress and burnout

AI-led technologies, services and solutions are the most popular tool for increasing the productivity of workers, according to 46 percent of respondents. 

The top choice for a solution to drive economic growth was government support for technological innovation, chosen by more than half (54 percent) of business leaders. In the short term, business leaders are using HR strategies to boost morale and drive growth over the next 12 months, with 51 percent investing in upskilling employees and 46 percent offering hybrid work to retain valued workers.

However, for many workers, the key issue holding their productivity back is technology, with 46 percent of those polled spending more than two hours per week ensuring that automated processes are actually working.

Process intelligence can enhance AI

“Businesses are facing an uphill struggle to drive growth and regain productivity, thanks to ineffective technology and employees feeling burnt out,” said Rupal Karia, country leader UKI and MEA at Celonis. “We have also seen a divide emerge as many major employers have demanded a full return to office, a position at odds with nearly half of businesses seeking to retain staff by offering hybrid work.”

The good news is that leaders can tackle both issues through technological innovations like process intelligence and AI which can automate repetitive or mundane tasks and free up employee time to focus on more valuable activities, Karia said. “The government’s efforts to ease AI adoption are in tune with business leaders who are optimistic that government support can help implement AI-led technologies to boost productivity and reduce frustration among their workers. Both must understand that without business context, something process intelligence provides, AI lacks the necessary understanding to be truly game changing.”

How to reduce stress and burnout in process careers

Business process careers can be exciting and rewarding, but they can also be conducive to significant stress and burnout. “Dealing with the pressures of modern business process-focused leadership roles can feel like a never-ending battle against stress and burnout,” said Dr. Danielle Kelvas, MD, primary care physician and CEO/founder of DKMD Consulting. 

“If you’re in such a role, you’re probably juggling a ton of responsibilities. You’ve got to keep processes running smoothly, make sure everything’s efficient, embrace new technology, lead your team and push for continuous improvement,” she added. 

The predominant challenges that lead to stress and burnout in process-oriented roles include indirect oversight and separate reporting chains, slow progress, unrealistic expectations and the significant effort required to gain buy-in.

There are a variety of strategies that can help business process leaders manage and reduce stress and burnout for both themselves and those around them. Practical approaches include:

• Setting realistic expectations
• Prioritizing mental and physical health
• Leading by example
• Enabling workload and project ownership
• Creating safe spaces

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