Biotech burnout: a look at how high achievers buffer workplace stress

Abstract

The continued impact of COVID-19 in the biotechnology sector is distinct from other industries, putting an additional strain on biotech employees. Like frontline workers, employees in biotechnology encounter circumstances where their performance is measured by life and death outcomes. Research indicates that employees who receive social and emotional support may respond in ways that reduce stress. In a qualitative study, we examined the relationship between stress-buffering and burnout and found that high achieving employees in the biotechnology industry handle elevated levels of both eustress and distress. When biotech employees reach and accommodate peak levels of eustress, the presence of distress can have adverse physical and psychological effects. Self-awareness and use of stress-buffering resources such as social and emotional support (family, friends, colleagues, programs, meditation, journaling, exercise, rest, vacations, and yoga) can lead to favorable outcomes and mitigation of distress. The results suggest stress-buffering, as sought by an individual or provided by the workplace, may result in positive responses such as employee flourishing (high morale, work-life balance, well-being) which may be significant in achieving key business and societal outcomes.

Keywords: Biotechnology, stress-buffering, high achievers, self-awareness, eustress, distress, work stress, burnout, workplace culture