MultiTeam Solutions reports increasing burnout risks for cybersecurity professionals.
- Half anticipate burnout within the next 12 months due to work pressures.
- Stress and job pressure lead to potential turnover and decreased effectiveness.
- Despite awareness, senior management struggles to alleviate stress effectively.
- Cultural shifts are necessary to combat burnout and retain talent.
According to a recent report by MultiTeam Solutions, which surveyed 173 international cybersecurity professionals, there is a significant risk of burnout within the industry. The findings reveal that 50% of participants foresee reaching a state of burnout in the coming year, primarily due to intense stress and the high-pressure nature of their roles.
The report highlights a worrying trend where stress at work is now a more prevalent health issue than financial stress. This stress not only diminishes motivation but also prompts many within the cybersecurity field to consider leaving their current positions for new opportunities, further exacerbating the already high turnover rates in the industry.
A staggering 80% of surveyed professionals anticipate reaching burnout within three years if current conditions persist. Notably, 35% expect to face burnout in less than six months, underscoring the immediacy of the issue. As defined in the report, burnout manifests as a lack of motivation, compelling individuals to exit their organisations or seek less stressful roles elsewhere.
Despite 79% of professionals feeling somewhat comfortable discussing burnout with supervisors, a gap remains in effective stress management. Although 81% acknowledge that senior level management (SLM) is somewhat aware of their stress levels, only 23% believe that SLM is actively working to reduce their stress. In fact, nearly half of the respondents perceive their senior management as aggravators of stress rather than alleviators.
Reflecting on these findings, Dr Daniel Shore of MultiTeam Solutions notes a critical need for cultural and systemic changes within organisations. He emphasises that without addressing the underlying mental health pressures and organisational silos that isolate these professionals, the industry will continue to suffer from inadequate responses to growing cyber threats.
Addressing mental health and organisational challenges is crucial to preventing burnout and ensuring the cybersecurity industry’s resilience against increasing threats.
