New research from talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half reveals that 36% of U.S workers report feeling burned out at work, and 33% say they are more burned out now than one year ago.
According to the survey of nearly 2,000 professionals, the top factors contributing to burnout are:
- Heavy workloads and long hours (40%);
- Lack of support or recognition from their manager (30%); and
- Few professional growth opportunities (27%).
Those who report the highest burnout levels are:
- Gen Z (39%) and millennial (40%) professionals;
- Working parents (38%); and
- Professionals at small and midsized businesses (37%).

“With burnout on the rise, managers must take steps to monitor workloads, maintain open communication, and support employee well-being,” Dawn Fay, operational president at Robert Half, said in a statement.
But burnout isn’t just affecting workers—it’s also a top concern for firms struggling to hire, according to Robert Half. A separate survey of more than 1,600 hiring managers found that their biggest impact of not being able to staff an open role in a timely manner are:
- Employee burnout (42%);
- Delayed project timelines (39%);
- Decreased productivity of existing staff (37%); and
- Higher employee turnover (36%).
“Burnout is not just an employee issue—it’s a critical business challenge. During times of heavy workloads or delayed hiring cycles, employers need to address burnout head-on or risk falling behind on critical projects and losing staff,” Fay said.
Robert Half offers the following tips for managers to help counter burnout:
- Encourage taking time off: Support your team’s well-being by promoting regular time off and mental health days to recharge.
- Help prioritize projects and manage timelines: Assist your team in prioritizing tasks and managing timelines effectively to ensure manageable workloads.
- Hire additional support: Consider hiring contract professionals to ease workloads, allowing your team to focus on key responsibilities.
- Recognize and appreciate: Acknowledge and celebrate your team’s hard work and accomplishments to boost morale and reinforce a positive work environment.
- Foster open communication: Create a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their challenges and needs.
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Tags: burnout, employees, Hiring, Human Resources, Payroll, Small Business, workplace