Key Strategies To Avoid MSP Burnout

While workplace stress and task overload are long-standing business concerns, the global pandemic and ensuing labor shortages have escalated those problems. Those issues are doubly concerning for IT services owners, with costs on the rise and hiring challenges forcing many to work even harder to keep profits in line with expectations. Those are just a few factors behind the increase in MSP burnout.

That tide affects owners and workers in virtually every industry. Approximately 50% of employees and 53% of managers say they are burned out, according to a recent Microsoft survey of 20,000 people in eleven countries. Those numbers are likely higher than the norm in the IT industry as demand for computer support grows exponentially. At the same time, the supply of qualified technicians, engineers, sales professionals and other specialists lags far behind the need.

The rise in employee no-shows and “quiet quitting” creates even more stress for business owners. When workers feel exhausted or get frustrated with ever-increasing duties and more demands on their time and attention, they may scale back their daily efforts or simply do the bare minimum. “Quiet quitters” are especially challenging for MSPs who want to follow the proper HR protocols. Unfortunately, delaying those inevitable firings often increases tension across the workplace as co-workers or owners pick up more of their slack.