📣 New report: Work indifference: a sign of burnout for agile workers that reduces staff support and empathy

NHS employers have published ‘Work indifference: a sign of burnout for agile workers that reduces staff support and empathy’, a new report authored by agiLab's Director Dr Emma Russell, Dr Smadar Cohen-Chen, and agiLab's Research Centre Manager, Deepali D'Mello.

The new report finds:

😐 Indifference, more than other expressions, triggers stronger negative reactions (withhold empathy and support) from colleagues.

⚠️ Indifference can signal late-stage burnout, especially the ‘depersonalisation’ phase where emotional detachment sets in.

🧑‍⚕️ Staff who closely identify with their roles are more vulnerable to burnout when indifference is at a higher level.

➡️When colleagues are trained to recognise indifference, they are more likely to signpost staff towards internal support resources.

🔍 NHS teams should monitor indifference as a red flag; adapting work arrangements may be necessary once it’s detected.

🎓 Managerial training could help spot and support disengaged staff, reducing risk and promoting healthier work cultures.

Access the report here