Today, more than 3.5 billion working adults each spend roughly 90 000 hours – or about 45 years – of their lives at work placing the focus on the rising tide of workplace burnout. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) estimates that as many as one in three employees are affected by burnout, a condition linked to ongoing, unmanaged stress.
Burnout is more than just feeling overworked – it’s a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion brought on by prolonged stress. Left unchecked, burnout can lead to a host of health issues, including disrupted sleep patterns, cognitive impairments and a higher risk depression.
Nicole Jennings, spokesperson for Pharma Dynamics says burnout doesn’t happen overnight and is often ignored until it becomes unmanageable. “It’s often disguised as productivity – people push harder, skip breaks, sacrifice sleep – all in the name of performance, until their health eventually begins to unravel.”
Who’s most at risk?
Those who work in high-stress environments, such as healthcare and emergency services, are particularly vulnerable. These professions demand long hours, carry heavy emotional loads and often allow for little time for recovery.
A 2025 global survey by the McKinsey Health Institute and the World Economic Forum, revealed that women, members of the LGBTQI+ community, younger people, neurodivergent people and those facing financial challenges, reported significantly worse health outcomes at work.
Locally, these risks are magnified by tough economic conditions, including high unemployment, loadshedding and poor service delivery, which are creating an environment where stress can tip into burnout.
“Many in their 20s and 30s, in particular, entered adulthood during a time of global uncertainty,” Jennings said. “They’re juggling financial strain, disrupted education or career starts, and social isolation due to the difficulty forming social connections in today’s hyper-digital world – adding to the mental load.”
What can be done
While technology has revolutionised the workplace, it has also blurred the boundaries between work and personal life. This “always-on” culture contributes significantly to burnout.
Jennings says addressing burnout requires a multifaceted approach:
• Set boundaries: Establish clear work-life boundaries. Avoid checking work emails or messages outside of designated work hours.
• Digital detox: Allocate specific times during the day to unplug from digital devices. Engage in activities that don’t involve screens, such as reading or outdoor walks.
• Seek support: Open up to friends, family or professionals about feelings of stress or burnout. Sharing experiences can provide relief and guidance.
• Healthy lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet, regular exercise routine and adequate sleep. Good health practices can bolster resilience against stress.
• Mindfulness and relaxation: Incorporate mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep-breathing exercises, to manage stress levels effectively.
The business case
Employers also play a crucial role in mitigating burnout. By fostering a supportive work environment, promoting regular breaks and recognising employee achievements, organisations can help reduce the risk of burnout among their staff.
Organisations investing in employee health often experience increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, lower healthcare costs, and improved employee engagement and retention.
Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
