In our recent 2024 survey, we found that 77% of employees experienced at least one symptom of burnout in the past year. It’s a growing crisis, and the only way to mitigate it: understand the root cause. But the causes of burnout aren’t cut and dry — and it can affect anyone at any point in their life by causing persistent physical and emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and a diminished sense of accomplishment.And while there are often universal causes of burnout syndrome and common causes of mental exhaustion, the ultimate catalysts for burnout can be complex and vary from person to person.So let’s dive into some of these causes and potential tools to help you battle burnout before it starts to wreak havoc on your employees and workplace. For a deeper dive into burnout and its symptoms, read more here. Causes of Job BurnoutOne of the most frequent settings for experiencing burnout is the workplace — although, that doesn’t mean the workplace should be held solely responsible. Oftentimes, it’s a combination of compounding stressors — in and outside of the office — that occur over a prolonged period that ultimately leads to burnout. But that doesn’t mean workplaces can just turn a blind eye to this issue. In fact 69% of employees expect their employers to support them during their recovery from burnout and prioritise employee wellbeing over productivity — no matter the stage of the business. Work is still a massive contributor when employees mention what leads them to burnout. So, what are some underlying causes of burnout at work that can be identified and adjusted to mitigate this growing crisis? We spoke to burnout expert, Dr. Kat, to get her perspective: 4 key causes of burnout1. Excessive Workload: One of the first large causes of burnout at work: increasing workloads.“There’s a lot of unmanageable work that demands long hours,” says Dr. Kat. “Many companies are downsizing and cutting costs.” And, unfortunately, this trend isn’t just boosting unemployment and tanking employee morale. It also means that remaining employees start to face heavier workloads — and higher rates of burnout.The fear of job loss during economic downturns, such as the current cost-of-living crisis, leads many individuals to push through excessive demands despite their inability to handle them. This unmanageable workload, combined with the pressure to perform, is often one of the major causes of burnout. 2. The “Tech Tether”: With the rise of hybrid work environments, boundaries have blurred between people’s work and personal lives more than ever before.“Burnout happens because people are working all hours of the day, all the time — weekends, weekdays or holidays —they're contactable,” Dr. Kat explains. The expectation to remain perpetually available due to technology, coupled with the return of commutes and back-to-back Zoom calls, leaves little time for personal rest and relaxation.This constant connectivity reinforces the notion that work should take precedence over personal time, which is a huge contributor to burnout. 3. A Lack of Community and Support: According to recent research and the World Health Organization, loneliness is the new smoking — so much so, that it’s been deemed a global public health concern.We’re seeing this epidemic impacting burnout to another level. Dr. Kat highlights the essential role of community and support in managing stress and preventing burnout. “There is a noticeable lack of community and support,” she notes. In a tech-centric world where remote work is becoming more prevalent, the sense of community is dwindling. This trend is evident as hybrid and remote workplaces become more common, and teams become more silod and isolated. A lack of social support and community contributes significantly to burnout, as individuals miss out on vital emotional and practical support.4. Value Conflicts: When an employee’s core values are not aligned with their company’s values, it can lead to burnout. “For example, one might prioritise spending time with family and having a sense of community,” Dr. Kat explains. “But perhaps the company you work for focuses solely on results, results, results.” Workplaces that fail to respect and integrate the fundamental human values of people into their culture often face high rates of burnout and employee turnover. When personal values are disregarded, it creates a disconnect that can lead to dissatisfaction and exhaustion.All of these things are creating stress to chrnoically exist in your employees’ environments. When you take chronic stress and pair it up with other less-controllable factors, you get the perfect recipe for burnout. So what are some of those “less-controllable”, external factors? Health factors that influence burnout The causes of burnout syndrome at work are often intertwined with other elements outside of the office. And oftentimes, these are health conditions. Health factors significantly influence both the development and recovery from burnout. And while they’re not the primary catalysts of burnout, they are often contributing factors that make employees more susceptible to burnout — especially if they’re neglected in the workplace. Some of the illnesses that can contribute to the cause and prolonging of burnout symptoms include chronic issues such as sleep disorders depriving employees of proper sleeping habits, autoimmune conditions or mental health conditions that add both emotional and physical stress onto an employee’s daily stressors. Why personal lives shouldn’t be neglected at work Personal circumstances also play a significant role in burnout and when neglected compound onto burnout symptoms exacerbating them even further such as: Family responsibilities: Familial responsibilities such as caregiving, parenting or experiencing a loss of family member have huge impacts on employee stress levels and focusing abilities.Financial stress: According to Morgan Stanley, 66% of employees say financial stress is negatively impacting their personal lives and output at work. Economic instability and concerns can add significant stress to your employees’ minds.Social support networks: As Dr. Kat said, a lack of community causes significant stress. And, when this problem is also present in one’s personal life, it results in higher stress levels, more loneliness and overall susceptibility to burnout or other problematic health issues.Life transitions: Major life changes, such as moving to a new location, undergoing a divorce, or dealing with the loss of a friend or family, can amplify stress and burnout. These transitions add to existing stressors and can make burnout more likely.Tips on mitigating burnout So what are the solutions to these causes of burnout, and how can you start preventing it in your workplace? Create a safe space that fosters vulnerability: When people can open up about their personal issues, you build stronger relationships and can see more easily when someone is beginning to struggle. As a result, you can address the issue, and prevent triggering burnout before it happens.Quality wellbeing programmes and resources: Having a wellbieng benefits package that supports holistic wellbeing that can be customised to your employees’ needs is a great way to fight burnout. When you inspire wellbeing practises at work, your employees start to trust you more and are more likely to be able to mitigate symptoms early by practising healthy habits. Marking clear boundaries for work and life: Stop rewarding employees for working on weekends and in the off-hours that others can’t commit to. Be sure to help your employees establish boundaries and create clear expectations that show you respect their personal lives — this will ultimately create a better, healthier work environment for everyone. Read this article here to learn more about burnout treatment and how to recover from burnout.Understanding the diverse causes of burnout at work—from excessive workloads and technological pressures to health issues and personal circumstances—allows for a more comprehensive approach to prevention and management. Addressing these factors proactively can help workplaces maintain a healthier balance, reduce stress, and enhance overall wellbeing in the office.To learn more about how to mitigate burnout in the workplace, download our FREE Anti-Burnout book. This guide dives deep into conversations with experts, and offer up resources to help you beat burnout at work.About YuLifeYuLife is working to reimagine the insurance industry by protecting lives, rewarding living and inspiring life. We’re on a mission to transform traditional insurance into a life-enhancing experience each employee will value and use daily. How does it work?Our award-winning app uses behavioural science and game mechanics to reward your people for living well while offering protection in case of crisis. And with our top-rated employee assistance programme, your team gets access to mental, financial and social support, virtual GPs, nutritionists, life coaches and more to help them live their best lives.Because we believe that your employees should benefit from their insurance from day one — and that wellbeing should be accessible every day, for everyone.Request a demo for your team today.