MultiTeam Solutions, a prominent company specializing in human-centered cybersecurity teamwork development, has disclosed alarming statistics: half of cybersecurity professionals anticipate experiencing burnout within the next 12 months due to the intense stress and pressures inherent in their roles.
This revelation comes from MultiTeam Solutions’ latest report titled “Stress & Burnout in Cybersecurity: The Risk of a Thousand Papercuts,” which surveyed 173 cybersecurity professionals worldwide. The report sheds light on the mental health challenges these professionals face and the heightened likelihood of burnout.
According to the findings, while 52% of cybersecurity professionals consider themselves resilient to stress, an equal 50% foresee reaching burnout within a year or sooner. Of these, 35% expect burnout within the next six months, and a staggering 80% anticipate burnout within three years.
The report defines burnout as a state where professionals lack the motivation to perform their job effectively, often leading them to contemplate leaving their current organization or seeking new opportunities to alleviate stress.
Regarding support structures, a significant majority (79%) feel somewhat comfortable discussing burnout concerns with their supervisors. Similarly, 81% believe that Senior Level Management (SLM) has some level of understanding regarding their stress. However, only 23% perceive that SLM actively works to alleviate their stress, with nearly 50% indicating that SLM actually contributes to their stress levels.
Dr. Daniel Shore, co-founder and social behavioral scientist at MultiTeam Solutions, commented on the report’s implications, stating, “At a time when cybersecurity attacks are increasing exponentially, our research highlights an urgent burnout crisis. Work-induced stress is eroding motivation and pushing many cybersecurity professionals to their limits, prompting them to seek new opportunities. This turnover undermines industry longevity and perpetuates a cycle where professionals may face similar challenges in new roles.”
Dr. Shore continued, “It’s crucial for organizations to initiate a cultural shift that acknowledges and addresses the mental health pressures facing cybersecurity professionals. This includes breaking down silos that isolate individuals and understanding the human factors contributing to burnout. Without such changes, the industry risks being ill-equipped to tackle the mounting cyber threats, which are growing both in number and complexity.”
The report underscores the pressing need for organizations to prioritize mental health support and foster environments that sustain cybersecurity professionals amid escalating challenges.
Source: hrnews.co.uk
