Business Case Option 1: Human Resources, Management and Leadership (see week 10 for Option #2)

REMINDER: You need to choose either this business case OR the Marketing Business Case for your submission. You do need to read and be prepared to discuss both of them in class towards the end of the semester; however - choose only one for your submission. 

This particular business case covers the issue of burnout in the workplace. The first step in completing this assignment is to get familiar with the issue as it impacts the industry. All preparation materials are included in this document: Case Study MGT1104 Fall 2021 Burnout of the Modern Workforce_ Managerial and Organizational Considerations.pdf Download Case Study MGT1104 Fall 2021 Burnout of the Modern Workforce_ Managerial and Organizational Considerations.pdf 

Or by visiting the following VT Libraries and the Sage Business Case link. 

Login Link for the Business Case Study on Burnout in the Workplace 

NOTE: You will need to login using your VT Two-Way Factor. 

Learning Outcomes
Students analyzing this case will improve their understanding of the following:

- the intricacies of organizational values around work culture in the 21st century;
- work culture trends in various industries and countries;
- personal implications of work culture in a highly digitized and performance-driven economy;
- the role of proactive managers and organizations in tackling emerging challenges as well as in managing people responsibly and strategically; and
- prevalent human resource practices by companies that optimize personal, professional, organizational, and economic sustainability.

Abstract
This case analyzes a ubiquitous yet poorly understood challenge of the modern workforce: burnout. It highlights the causes of burnout and its impacts on workers and organizational performance. Managerial and ethical questions are examined related to the responsibilities of organizations for workers in a highly active modern economy. Reducing and avoiding employee burnout involves proactive managerial measures. Given the dynamic forces in the broader environment, the case features evolving managerial practices and exemplary human resource policies that organizations are adopting. The case discusses socially responsible and forward-looking approaches to people management that acknowledge how organizations and societies rely on the collective well-being of their people. Readers are challenged to analyze these approaches and to consider how employees can best prevent burnout for themselves and their organizations.

Finally imagine that you have been retained as an HR consultant and write a one-page, single-spaced memo (small header) to the Vice-President of Human Resources outlining the one idea you have developed that you think would help the company the most. Focus on selling your best idea rather than providing several ideas that are less well developed.

Here are some key aspects to consider. DO NOT simply answer these questions one-by-one BUT rather write a business memo that provides insights into your solution of preventing and/or managing burn out.

1. Why is it important to manage burnout? What are the short-term and long-term costs for organizations? Should it be an organization’s responsibility to manage burnout?
2. Are there any organizational benefits to proactively minimizing burnout? How about any economic benefits for countries?
3. Do you think national cultural differences or industry factors (if any) influence work culture leading to burnout?
4. What are some of the risks of proactively managing burnout using unlimited vacation policy, flexible work arrangements, or remote work? Do you think the benefits of adopting these practices would outweigh the costs?
5. What can an employee do to prevent burnout for themselves and for their organizations?

Sample memo -not required format just intended to give you an idea of what business memos look like.

Grading - Please see the rubric below the assignment description for details.

Note - late submissions will be not be accepted.