Burnout is no longer just a buzzword—it’s one of the most pressing challenges facing the modern workforce. Despite the rise in workplace wellness initiatives, employee burnout continues to climb, quietly undermining productivity, morale, and retention.
According to Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace report, 44% of employees worldwide reported experiencing stress “a lot of the previous day.” That figure hasn't budged in years—and it tells us that the issue isn’t going away.
Understanding what burnout is, how it shows up, and how to address it can help employers create a culture of well-being that supports both employees and business performance.
Free Download: Burnout Prevention Checklist for Employers
Want to take action today? Download our Burnout Prevention Checklist to help your team identify risk factors, support employee wellness, and build a culture of resilience.
What is burnout?
Burnout is defined by the Mayo Clinic as “a state of physical or emotional exhaustion that also involves a sense of reduced accomplishment and loss of personal identity.” It’s more than just stress—it’s a chronic condition that affects energy, motivation, performance, and overall health.
The World Health Organization (WHO) now recognizes burnout as an “occupational phenomenon,” caused by chronic workplace stress that hasn’t been successfully managed. It’s not a personal failure. It’s a systemic issue—one that organizations have a responsibility to address.
Burnout typically shows up in three dimensions:
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Exhaustion – physical and emotional fatigue that doesn’t go away with rest
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Cynicism or Detachment – feeling mentally distanced from one’s work
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Reduced Efficacy – a decreased sense of accomplishment or capability
Why Employee Burnout Is a Business Problem
When burnout goes unchecked, it becomes more than just an individual problem—it has ripple effects across teams and entire organizations.
Recent findings show that burned out employees are 63% more likely to take a sick day and 2.6 times more likely to be actively seeking a different job.
The cost to companies is staggering—lost productivity, higher turnover, low morale, and increased health care costs. Burnout affects your bottom line.
Related: Recognizing the Signals of Employee Burnout
Signs and Symptoms of Burnout
Recognizing burnout early is key to stopping it before it escalates. Common signs include:
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Chronic fatigue and insomnia
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Reduced performance and productivity
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Cynicism, irritability, or detachment
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Physical symptoms like headaches or stomach issues
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Withdrawal from social or work interactions
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Feeling ineffective, stuck, or overwhelmed
Managers and HR teams should regularly check in with employees and look out for these red flags. Keep in mind that burnout doesn't look the same for everyone—some people may appear “fine” on the outside while quietly struggling.
Related: 8 Tips to Help Employees Beat Burnout
What Causes Burnout at Work?
Burnout isn’t just the result of working long hours—it’s often caused by a mismatch between employees and their work environment. The most common causes include:
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Unmanageable workload: Constant pressure with no relief or support
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Lack of control: Little autonomy over tasks or decisions
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Unclear expectations: Confusion about priorities or responsibilities
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Poor leadership or support: Lack of recognition, feedback, or empathy
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Always-on culture: Expectations to be reachable 24/7
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Misalignment with values: Employees feel their work lacks meaning or impact
When left unresolved, these stressors build up, creating a recipe for long-term burnout.
How to Prevent Burnout in the Workplace
The good news? Burnout is preventable—with the right systems in place.
Here’s how forward-thinking employers are tackling it:
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Normalize boundaries: Encourage breaks, time off, and true disconnection from work.
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Train people leaders: Equip managers to spot burnout early and support employee well-being.
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Create flexible policies: Offer hybrid work, asynchronous schedules, and autonomy where possible.
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Provide mental health support: Give employees access to therapy, mindfulness tools, or coaching.
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Recognize and celebrate wins: Don’t underestimate the power of appreciation and acknowledgment.
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Conduct regular feedback loops: Use pulse surveys to understand employee sentiment and stress levels.
FitOn Health helps organizations embed these strategies through holistic well-being programs that are accessible, scalable, and proven to improve both mental and physical health.
Ready to tackle burnout in your workplace? Download our free guide to beating burnout to get started.
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