Burnout Statistics: 30+ Key Facts and Figures (2025)

Burnout Statistics: Key Facts and Figures (2025)

Burnout has reached epidemic levels globally — with 82% of employees considered at risk, a $322 billion annual economic loss, and significant long-term health consequences including heart disease, diabetes, and early mortality. Despite growing awareness, burnout rates continue to rise in 2025.

This page compiles the most important burnout statistics from authoritative sources including Mental Health UK, Gallup, RAND Europe, PLOS One, and peer-reviewed journals — updated for 2025.

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Key Burnout Statistics at a Glance

• 82% of employees globally are at risk of burnout in 2025
• 76% of employees experience burnout at least occasionally
• 91% of UK workers experienced high or extreme stress in the past year
• 1 in 5 UK workers took time off due to stress-related poor mental health
• $322 billion lost globally each year due to burnout-related absenteeism and turnover
• Women report burnout at significantly higher rates than men (59% vs 46%)
• 84% of Millennials report experiencing burnout in their current roles

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Global Burnout Prevalence

• 82% of employees are considered at risk of burnout in 2025, representing a significant increase from previous years. (The Interview Guys)

• 76% of employees experience burnout at least occasionally, with 28% saying they experience it "very often" or "always". (Teamout)

• 52% of employees reported feeling burned out in 2024. (HR Brew)

• Burnout was officially recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an occupational phenomenon in 2019, defined as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.

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UK Burnout Statistics (2025)

• 91% of UK workers experienced high or extreme levels of stress in the past year. (Mental Health UK, Burnout Report 2025)

• 1 in 5 UK workers took time off work due to stress-related poor mental health in the past year. (Mental Health UK)

• 2 in 5 Britons are considered at risk of burnout in 2025. (WeCovr)

• 47% of UK workers cite heavy workloads and unpaid tasks as their top stressors. (Mental Health UK)

• 48% of workers aged 18–24 report regularly working unpaid overtime as a significant stressor. (Mental Health UK)

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Burnout by Age Group

• Adults aged 25–34 are now the most stressed group in the UK, with 96% reporting high or extreme stress in 2025. (Mental Health UK)

• 93% of workers aged 18–24 experienced high or extreme pressure or stress. (Mental Health UK)

• 84% of Millennials report experiencing burnout in their current roles — the highest of any generation. (Teamout)

• Nearly 2 in 5 (39%) workers aged 18–24 took time off due to poor mental health. (Mental Health UK)

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Burnout by Gender

• Women report burnout at significantly higher rates than men — 59% versus 46% globally. (Growthalista)

• Women are also more likely to report feeling unable to disconnect from work outside of working hours.

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Burnout by Industry

• Healthcare workers face some of the highest burnout rates of any profession:

  • Nurses: 62% burnout rate (April 2024)
  • Female K-12 teachers: 63%
  • Attorneys: 42% overall; associates: 51% (The Interview Guys)

• A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis found that burnout prevalence among public health workers globally was significant, with high emotional exhaustion being the most consistent finding. (PubMed)

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Economic Cost of Burnout

• Burnout leads to a global economic loss of $322 billion annually due to absenteeism, staff turnover, and reduced productivity. (Meditopia)

• In the UK, work-related stress and burnout are among the leading causes of sickness absence, costing the economy billions in lost output each year.

• Burned-out employees are 2.6x more likely to be actively seeking a different job, significantly increasing recruitment and training costs for employers. (Gallup)

• Employees experiencing burnout are 63% more likely to take a sick day and 23% more likely to visit an emergency room. (Gallup)

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Physical Health Consequences of Burnout

A landmark systematic review of 36 prospective studies published in PLOS One identified the following as statistically significant health outcomes of burnout:

• Hypercholesterolaemia (high cholesterol)
• Type 2 diabetes
• Coronary heart disease
• Hospitalisation due to cardiovascular disorder
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Prolonged fatigue
• Headaches and gastrointestinal issues
• Mortality below the age of 45

(PLOS One / PMC)

The most prevalent physical symptoms in people experiencing burnout include:

• Persistent tiredness and low energy (affecting up to 95% of burnout cases)
• Back pain and joint pain
• Sleep disturbances
• Headaches and stomach pain

(PMC)

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Mental Health Consequences of Burnout

• Burnout is strongly associated with insomnia, depressive symptoms, and increased use of antidepressant medications. (PLOS One)

• The proportion of 18–24 year olds comfortable discussing stress with a line manager dropped from 75% to 56% in a single year — suggesting growing reluctance to seek help. (Mental Health UK)

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Burnout and Trust at Work

• Only 56% of workers aged 18–24 would feel comfortable telling a manager about stress — down from 75% the previous year. (Mental Health UK Burnout Report 2025)

• This trust breakdown is considered one of the most significant findings in the 2025 burnout data, suggesting that despite increased awareness, workplace culture is not improving fast enough.

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About This Page

These statistics are compiled from peer-reviewed journals, government agencies, and established health organisations. All sources are linked inline. This page is updated as new data becomes available.

If burnout or persistent fatigue is affecting you, our free fatigue assessment can help identify the root causes based on your specific lifestyle and work patterns.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of workers experience burnout?

82% of employees globally are considered at risk of burnout in 2025, and 76% experience it at least occasionally. In the UK specifically, 91% of workers reported high or extreme stress in the past year according to Mental Health UK's Burnout Report 2025.

What is the economic cost of burnout?

Burnout costs the global economy an estimated $322 billion annually through absenteeism, staff turnover, and reduced productivity. In the UK, work-related stress and burnout are among the leading causes of sickness absence.

Who is most affected by burnout?

Women experience burnout at higher rates than men (59% vs 46%). By age, Millennials (84%) and workers aged 25–34 (96% high/extreme stress) are the most affected groups. Healthcare workers, teachers, and legal professionals report the highest industry-specific rates.

What are the health consequences of burnout?

A systematic review of prospective studies found burnout significantly predicts type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, hypercholesterolaemia, musculoskeletal pain, prolonged fatigue, and mortality below age 45. Psychologically, it is strongly associated with insomnia and depressive symptoms.