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Burnout among U.S. workers has reached a ten-year high, according to a recent report by Glassdoor. The World Health Organization defines burnout as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It includes symptoms like energy depletion, increased mental distance from one's job, and reduced professional efficacy.
The Glassdoor report highlights a significant increase in mentions of burnout in employee reviews, rising 32 percent year-over-year as of the first quarter of 2025. This marks a 50 percent increase since the fourth quarter of 2019, the highest level since data collection began in 2016. Daniel Zhao, Lead Economist at Glassdoor, describes burnout as a "slow-burn problem" that can erode the overall employee experience. He noted that as businesses cut budgets and headcounts, employees are being asked to do more with less, creating a recipe for burnout.
The Hill reports that burnout is not only affecting employees but also imposing a financial burden on employers. A study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine estimates that burnout costs employers between $4,000 and $21,000 per employee annually.
To combat burnout, some companies are implementing stress-reduction programs and offering mental health resources. However, experts suggest that organizational changes promoting work-life balance, such as flexible working hours and support for family care, are more effective solutions.
Glassdoor data also reveals that employees who mention burnout are significantly less satisfied with their employers, rating them 26 percent lower than those who do not mention burnout. This dissatisfaction often leads to increased turnover intentions, with employees who mention burnout being 59 percent more likely to apply for a new job.