Digital technologies have become an integral part of modern business. Software is something that runs unnoticed in the background, but its absence immediately makes itself felt. While the user clicks on the "one-click" button, dozens of specialists work to ensure that this click leads to a stable and effective result. But how do software developers feel? Here's what leads to burnout in IT and how it can be prevented.
Causes of burnout in IT
According to Statista, the number of software developers worldwide reached 27.7 million in 2023 and is expected to exceed 29 million in 2024. In Ukraine, according to estimates IT Ukraine AssociationAs of 2024, the IT industry employs about 285 thousand specialists, the vast majority of whom are engineers and developers.
However, the market growth is accompanied by growing problems. According to a study by Haystack Analytics, 83% developers worldwide experience burnout. The main reasons are:
- high load (47%),
- inefficient processes in the team (31%),
- blurred setting of goals and objectives (29%).
In the Ukrainian context, the situation is no less tense: according to a survey among Ukrainian IT professionals, more than 60% are experiencing symptoms of burnout or emotional exhaustion, mainly due to instability, stress, and uncertainty caused by the war, relocation, and constant changes in working conditions.
What demotivates developers?
We've collected the key factors that most often lead to a loss of motivation among programmers:
- Routine and monotony of tasks. When an engineer constantly performs the same actions, it reduces the sense of engagement and value of work.
- The absence of meaning. Often, developers don't see the results of their work or don't understand why they are performing a particular task at all.
- The atmosphere of haste and "hot" deadlines. Constant pressure from management creates chronic stress.
- Unrealistic expectations. When the plan and the actual capabilities do not match, there is disappointment on both sides - managers and executives.
- Unclear terms of reference. If the requirements for functionality are unclear, ambiguous, or constantly changing, it makes planning and implementation difficult.
- Unfair payment. Underestimating a developer's efforts is a direct way to lose motivation.
How to prevent burnout in an IT project?
Overcoming demotivation starts with quality management: clear tasks, a transparent performance evaluation system, and regular feedback. It's important to build a culture where programmers don't just perform a technical function, but see their role as creating value for the user and the business.
It is equally important to ensure a balance of workload and opportunities for development. Even the most difficult tasks cease to be demotivating if they are appropriate to the level of the specialist and bring a sense of achievement.
Want to build an effective IT team without burnout? Start with the right project approach and organization of internal processes. ToDo Team will help you not only implement an ERP solution, but also customize your workflows so that they work for development - not exhaustion.
