More than half of US workers, 51%, reported experiencing burnout in the past year, according to a survey released Nov. 4 by accounting firm Grant Thornton.
The figure marks a 15 percentage-point increase from 2023.
Top causes of burnout include mental and emotional stress, cited by 63%, and long hours, cited by 54%.
In addition to rising burnout, 32% of survey respondents reported a decline in mental health, while 30% reported worsening financial health in 2024.
“External factors such as increasing global conflicts, post-pandemic inflation and a particularly stressful political environment are all outside stressors that can burden the minds of employees, who in turn bring these worries with them into the workplace,” Joe Ranzau, managing director of growth advisory services at Grant Thornton, said in a press release.
People shortages were cited as the top workplace stressor by 40% of respondents, followed by poor communication at 34%.
Margaret Belden, director of growth advisory services at Grant Thornton, called for leaders to improve communications transparency and emphasize the “why” behind decisions that impact employees.
“For instance, while CFOs are understandably focused on cost containment amid worker shortages, it’s important to recognize that employees identify resource shortages as a primary driver of burnout. Contextualizing these challenges is essential to fostering a healthier work environment,” Belden said in a press release.
When asked what initially drew them to their organizations, 48% of survey respondents cited benefits, while 45% pointed to base pay. The survey found that these factors are also key in retention, with 53% identifying benefits and 44% naming base pay as the primary reasons for staying with their current employer.
Despite job security ranking highly as a motivator for staying with an organization, only 10% of respondents expressed concern about potential layoffs in the coming year.
Other findings in the report:
- 25% of respondents currently hold a second job, with 37% considering one — both contributing to declining wellness and increasing burnout.
- 49% of respondents identified compensation and 31% named lack of advancement opportunities as the top reason for turnover.
- 28% of respondents believe AI will likely reduce or eliminate their jobs.
- Many companies are shifting to skills-based models from experience-based hiring to widen talent pools and consider less traditional candidates.
“Automation isn’t an immediate fix,” Jennifer Morelli, principal of growth advisory services at Grant Thornton, said in a press release.
“It takes time to integrate automated processes into company operations. Like any other transformation, the adoption of AI and automation requires a thoughtful, dedicated effort to guide people through necessary behavior and mindset changes to realize their full value.”
The survey includes responses from 1,500 full-time US employees.
Source: Staffing Industry Analysts
