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Burnout is described as a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion resulting from prolonged stress, particularly in the workplace. It occurs when individuals feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands. Burnout not only affects work performance but also has a broader impact on an individual's overall well-being.
Burnout from workplace stress has reached a record high since spring 2021, with over 40% reported experiencing burnout. This figure is up from 38% in May 2021, reflecting an increasing trend.
Among those, young people are most affected by burnout. Nearly 48% of workers aged 18-to-29 report feeling drained compared to 40% of those aged 30 and above. Women are also more affected, with 46% reporting burnout compared to 37% of men.
1. | Pandemic and Economic Instability: Entering the workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic and amid economic concerns, including inflation and recession fears, heightens stress for younger workers. |
2. | Lack of Career Stability: High stress levels stem from job market instability, including inconsistent return-to-office policies and frequent layoffs. |
3. | High Expectations and Low Autonomy: Raised with pressure to achieve, younger workers face a chaotic job market with limited control and stability, contributing to burnout. |
4. | Layoff Anxiety: Younger employees, often first to be laid off, experience significant anxiety and burnout due to job insecurity. |
5. | Increased Job Disengagement: Workers under 35 show higher disengagement rates, reflecting greater burnout and dissatisfaction compared to older cohorts. |
6. | Workplace Gender Gap: Women are less likely to be promoted than men yet more likely to head single-parent families and take on unpaid labor – all things that can exacerbate burnout. |
Mental burnout is just as serious as a physical illness. If left unchecked, burnout can cause a long-term impact on your physical body and mental health. See a doctor or mental health professional, and take a mental health day off from work, if you need to. Taking the time to regularly check-in on your mental health and assess how you're coping with work will save you more time, stress, anxiety and the chance of burning out in the long-term.
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