Burnout is no longer just a buzzword – it’s a looming crisis. As workplace stress continues to build, millions of Australians are thinking about leaving their jobs. The toll on mental health is real, and it’s pushing workers to their breaking point. Can employers turn the tide before it’s too late?
The Scale of the Problem
A recent study from Allianz Australia paints a troubling picture. Nearly 80% of employees and 66% of managers believe that their organizations are failing to foster healthy work habits or enforce boundaries. The research highlights systemic barriers – a lack of resources, inadequate technology, and competing priorities – that make it harder to address this growing issue.
As a result, many Australians are suffering from work-related mental distress, with factors like overwhelming workloads, unrealistic expectations, and an endless stream of meetings at the root of the problem.
The Emotional Toll
It’s not just about feeling tired at the end of the day. More than half of Australian employees – 59%, to be exact – reported experiencing mental distress directly linked to their jobs. It’s a cycle that’s hard to break. Employees often end up spending hours on unnecessary tasks or meetings that don’t add much value.
One statistic that stood out was that, on average, Australian workers spend 3.31 hours per week on “unnecessary” jobs. That’s more than a full workday wasted every week. No wonder so many are feeling drained.
Technology: A Double-Edged Sword
But it’s not just about the workload. There’s the pressure of always being ‘on’. Even with right-to-disconnect laws, 19% of employees feel technology makes it almost impossible to switch off. And let’s not forget the financial stress many are under, with 25% of employees saying worries about the cost of living are affecting their work performance. It’s a recipe for burnout – and it’s not just going to go away on its own.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Allianz’s claims data highlights the severity of the issue. Between 2021 and 2025, mental distress compensation claims rose by over 28%. The average time off for these claims also increased, with workers taking an average of 81 days off. And yet, Allianz insists that the key to solving the problem is prevention, not just treating the fallout.
So, what can be done? Experts agree that workplaces need to take a more holistic approach to employee well-being. Managers should consider job designs that allow for manageable workloads, sufficient breaks, and clear boundaries between work and personal life. It’s not just about making the office a “fun” place to be – it’s about creating an environment that respects workers’ mental health.
Workers Must Also Take Responsibility
And it’s not just on employers to fix the problem. Workers themselves need to recognize when stress is tipping into burnout. Small signs like fatigue, irritability, or a loss of interest in work could indicate that something’s off. Don’t wait until things spiral – speak up, set boundaries, and try to address the root cause of the stress, whether it’s an overload of meetings or pressure from home responsibilities.
In the end, the best solution is a collaborative effort between workers and employers. Burnout isn’t inevitable, but it will take concerted effort to unschedule it before it overwhelms even more people.
