Burnout At Work

Sections

Introduction Why Burnout Happens How Burnout Affects You What Employers Can Do to Reduce Burnout Risk Final Thoughts

Introduction

Burnout has become something many of us quietly live with without realising, and can feel like constant tiredness, feeling disconnected with your job, or struggling to get through tasks that used to be easy. The World Health Organization defines burnout as a condition resulting from chronic workplace stress that hasn’t been successfully managed, marked by exhaustion, detachment, and reduced effectiveness at work.

Burnout is incredibly common, in the UK stress levels have continued to rise year on year, with the latest Burnout Report showing 91% people have reported high or extreme stress levels across 2024/25. Stress, depression, and anxiety remains one of the leading causes of workplace absences, accounting for 52% of all work-related ill health.

Whether you’re juggling demanding workloads, worrying about job security, or struggling to switch off at the end of the day, burnout is affecting more people than ever.

Here’s what you need to know, and what you can do about it.

Why Burnout Happens

Burnout isn’t a personal weakness; it’s a response to ongoing stress that wears you down over time.

Workload that never ends – Nearly 47% of workers say heavy workload and unpaid tasks are their top stress triggers. When “just one more task” becomes every day, it’s no wonder exhaustion builds.
Feeling uncertain about the future – Job insecurity is the second biggest cause of workplace stress, affecting 38% workers. When you’re worried about redundancy or financial stability, it’s impossible to relax, even when you’re outside of work.
Difficulty switching off – Only 33% of adults say they can fully switch off from work when needed. With instant messages, emails, and expectations bleeding into evenings and weekends, try rest is becoming rare.
Too much overtime – A huge 84% of UK desk workers regularly work overtime, and 68% even work weekends. A major contributor to burnout and declining mental health.
Life pressures outside of work – Burnout doesn’t start or end at work. Things like financial pressure, childcare, health worries, and loneliness can all add to the emotional load.

How Burnout Affects You

Burnout can creep in slowly and many people don’t notice it’s happening until they hit a wall.

You might recognise:

Constant exhaustion, even after sleeping
Feeling disconnected from your job or cynical about work
Struggling to start simple tasks
Reduced concentration and memory
Feeling emotionally flat or overwhelmed

And it doesn’t just affect individuals. Burnout contributes to long-term economic inactivity among young workers. Burnout also carries a wider cost, poor mental health is estimated to cost the UK economy £150 billion every year through lost productivity and sickness absence. This isn’t just a few people struggling – it’s a nationwide issue.

What Employers Can Do to Reduce Burnout Risk

Burnout prevention isn’t just a wellbeing initiative; it’s a legal and ethical responsibility. Under UK regulations, employers must protect the health and safety of employees, which includes managing workplace stress.

Here are the most effective, evidence back strategies:

1. Assess and Manage Workload Realistically

There is a strong link between excessive workload and burnout, employers should:

Regularly review task distribution and workload
Address unpaid overtime
Set clear boundaries for working hours

Data shows that overworking directly contributes to burnout, anxiety, and physical health symptoms in the UK workforce. 84% regularly work overtime, and 68% work weekends according to research highlighted by Mental Health UK.

2. Improve Manager Training and Communication

Younger workers feel the least comfortable raising stress concerns to managers, which shows a need for:

Mental health training
Better communication channels
Regular check-ins
Non-judgemental support structures

Employees report that a supportive manager can significantly reduce stress and prevent burnout.

3. Offer Flexible Working Options

Reports show hybrid or home-based workers experience lower stress than those in fixed locations like office or on-site roles. Employers can help by:

Reviewing mandatory office attendance policies
Offering hybrid models of working
Allowing flexible scheduling where possible

4. Strengthen Workplace Mental Health Support

This could include:

24/7 mental health support access
Trained mental health first aiders
Clear signposting to wellbeing resources
Removing barriers for employees seeking help

The CIPD note that employee wellbeing should be central to a modern workplace strategy, as poor mental health costs the UK around £150 billion annually, and impacts millions in long-term inactivity.

Burnout isn’t just a trend; it’s a modern workplace health crisis that is pushing people beyond healthy limits.

With 9 in 10 UK adults experiencing high stress or pressure in the last year, both employees and employers have a shared responsibility to create healthier, more sustainable working cultures. Employers must lead with supportive policies, realistic expectations, and strong mental health frameworks. Employees, meanwhile, can take proactive steps to set boundaries, access support, and recognise early warning signs. A healthier, more productive workforce is possible but only when burnout is acknowledged, understood, and addressed.

Head to our blog to explore more common conditions, advice, and physio approved tips and tricks.

The Blog

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