One-Third of U.S. Workers Report Rising Burnout
Rhea-AI Summary
Robert Half's latest survey reveals increasing workplace burnout, with 36% of U.S. professionals feeling burned out and 33% reporting higher burnout levels compared to last year. The study, surveying 2,000 professionals, identifies key burnout factors: heavy workloads and long hours (40%), lack of managerial support (30%), and growth opportunities (27%).
The highest burnout rates are observed among Gen Z (39%), Millennials (40%), working parents (38%), and professionals at small/midsize businesses (37%). A parallel survey of 1,600 hiring managers reveals that staffing challenges lead to employee burnout (42%), delayed projects (39%), decreased productivity (37%), and higher turnover (36%).
To address these challenges, Robert Half recommends managers encourage time off, assist with project prioritization, consider contract hiring, recognize employee achievements, and maintain open communication channels.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- 36% of U.S. professionals report workplace burnout
- 33% increase in burnout compared to previous year
- 42% of companies experience employee burnout due to understaffing
- 39% face project delays due to staffing challenges
- 37% report decreased productivity of existing staff
- 36% suffer from higher employee turnover
News Market Reaction – RHI
On the day this news was published, RHI declined 2.64%, reflecting a moderate negative market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
- Survey highlights top factors contributing to workplace fatigue and how employers can best support overworked teams
- 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 midsize businesses (
37% )
"With burnout on the rise, managers must take steps to monitor workloads, maintain open communication and support employee well-being," said Dawn Fay, operational president at Robert Half.
Countering Burnout
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% )
Fay added: "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."
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.
About the Research
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
About Robert Half
Robert Half (NYSE: RHI) is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions and business consulting firm, connecting highly skilled job seekers with rewarding opportunities at great companies. We offer contract talent and permanent placement solutions in the fields of finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support, and we also provide executive search services. Robert Half is the parent company of Protiviti®, a global consulting firm that delivers internal audit, risk, business and technology consulting solutions. In the past 12 months, Robert Half, including Protiviti, has been named one of the Fortune® Most Admired Companies™ and 100 Best Companies to Work For. Explore talent solutions, research and insights at roberthalf.com.
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SOURCE Robert Half
FAQ
What percentage of U.S. workers report burnout according to Robert Half's 2025 survey?
Which demographic groups show the highest burnout rates in the Robert Half study?
What are the main factors causing employee burnout according to the Robert Half survey?
How does understaffing impact businesses according to Robert Half's hiring manager survey?
