Report: One-third of U.S. workers report rising burnout

New research reveals a continued strain on today's workers. According to a survey of nearly 2,000 professionals in the U.S., 36% report feeling burned out at work and 33% say they are more burned out now than one year ago.  

The data from Robert Half shows the top factors contributing to burnout are: 

• Heavy workloads and long hours (40%) 

• Lack of support or recognition from their manager (30%) 

• Few professional growth opportunities (27%) 

Those who report the highest burnout levels are: 

• Gen Z (39%) and Millennial (40%) professionals 

• Working parents (38%) 

• Professionals at small and mid-size businesses (37%) 

Burnout isn't just affecting workers—it's a top concern for organizations struggling to hire. A separate Robert Half 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%) 

• Higher employee turnover (36%) 

Robert Half offers 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. 

The online surveys were developed by Robert Half and conducted by an independent research firm in December 2024. They include responses from nearly 2,000 workers 18 years and older in the U.S. and more than 1,600 hiring managers at companies in the U.S. with more than 10 employees.