Burnout a Continuing Issue for American Workers

Burnout among U.S. workers remains high, despite a downward trend since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the recently released 2023 Eagle Hill Consulting Workforce Burnout Survey.

Conducted by global market research company Ipsos and published by management consultation firm Eagle Hill Consulting, the research included 1,001 respondents from a random sample of U.S. employees.

Nearly half (46%) of American employees surveyed reported being burnout from their jobs. However, burnout levels have fallen slightly since last year (49% in August 2022) and more substantially since the early months of the pandemic (58% in August 2020).

The survey also found that younger workers (51%) and women (48%) continue to report higher levels of burnout, although their levels have dipped as well.

Top causes cited for the burnout included workload (53%), staff shortages (44%), work-life balance (41%), a lack of communication and support (39%), and time pressures (38%).

When asked how burnout could be reduced, 71% said a four-day work week would help. (Check out Guide Explores Pros and Cons of a Shorter Workweek regarding the outcome of a recent study in the United Kingdom on shorter work weeks.)

Other solutions included increased flexibility (66%), decreased workload (65%), better health and wellness benefits (60%), working from home (58%), reduced administrative burdens (55%), more on-site amenities (51%), and the ability to relocate or work from multiple locations (41%).

A majority of employees (62%) weren’t shy about sharing their level of burnout with their company’s management. The research also indicated that nearly a third of the workers surveyed (30%) plan to leave their job in the next 12 months.

“While worker stress levels are trending downward, employers should not be complacent in addressing employee burnout,” said Melissa Jezior, president and CEO of Eagle Hill Consulting. “Still, nearly half of the workforce reports burnout, and that is far too high for organizations that seek optimal performance and retention of their top talent. When employees are tired and stressed, you can bet they’ll either underperform or look for another job.”