How many people experience a burnout

Giuseppe Jung
17 oktober 2023

In today's busy worlds, many people feel tired and stressed from a high workload in their work space and personal life. In this blog, we will look the numbers on how many people experience a burnout. 

How many people experience burnout

  • 23% of employees report feeling burned out often.
  • 55% of teachers experience high levels of daily stress.
  • 57% of tech professionals reported experiencing burnout.
  • 29% of people with burnout also report experiencing a major depressive episode. 

Defining Burnout

Before we delve into the statistics, let's define what burnout is. Burnout is a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion, often accompanied by feelings of cynicism and detachment from work, as well as a sense of reduced accomplishment. It's not just a fleeting feeling of stress but a deeper and long-lasting condition.


The Global Picture

  1. World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO recognizes burnout as an occupational phenomenon. They describe it as "a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed."

  2. Prevalence : While the exact prevalence varies by region, studies have shown that, on average, approximately 23% of employees report feeling burned out often.

Occupational Fields

  1. Healthcare: Healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and support staff, are particularly vulnerable to burnout. According to the National Academy of Medicine, more than half of physicians in the United States experience burnout.

  2. Education: In the field of education, teachers and professors also face high burnout rates. A study by the National Education Association found that 55% of teachers experience high levels of daily stress.

  3. Tech Industry: The tech industry, known for its demanding work environments, is not immune to burnout. A survey by Blind, a workplace app, revealed that 57% of tech professionals reported experiencing burnout.

Gender Disparities

  1. Women: Studies have shown that women are more likely to report burnout. This can be attributed to the multiple roles they often juggle in their personal and professional lives.

The Impact on Health

  1. Mental Health: Burnout can lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Approximately 29% of people with burnout also report experiencing a major depressive episode.

  2. Physical Health: Chronic stress and burnout can contribute to a range of physical health problems, including cardiovascular issues, obesity, and gastrointestinal disorders.

The Economic Costs

Burnout isn't just a personal issue; it also has significant economic consequences. The cost of burnout, in terms of healthcare expenses and lost productivity, is estimated to be in the billions.

Prevention and Intervention

Recognizing the alarming statistics of burnout underscores the importance of prevention and intervention. Employers and individuals can take steps to promote work-life balance, reduce stress, and provide support for those experiencing burnout.


Conclusion

The statistics surrounding burnout highlight its prevalence and its profound impact on individuals, workplaces, and society as a whole. By acknowledging the extent of the problem, we can work together to address it more effectively. It's crucial to prioritize mental health, seek help when needed, and foster environments that promote well-being and resilience.