What do you think when you read these numbers? Based on your current circumstances as a full-time or part-time employee, have you considered resigning due to high levels of stress?
The findings of a study conducted by a Human Resources consulting firm across multiple industries and involving over 5,000 employees/participants highlighted a mental health crisis impacting workplaces. Employees are constantly seeking resources and workshops to learn ways to reduce burnout and other psychological challenges they face daily.
Mental health in the workforce has highly significant implications for employee well-being, productivity, and retention. 26% of survey respondents reported that they were actively considering leaving their jobs due to stress, anxiety, and a lack of mental health resources. Many cited factors such as long working hours, unrealistic deadlines, and a lack of work-life balance.
The survey was conducted in February 2026. Overall, employees have reached a point of exhaustion and need more support. Some ways to support employees include:
- Recognize and validate
Do not minimize what they feel. Listen and validate their experience:
“I understand that you’re feeling overwhelmed.”
“Thank you for sharing this—let’s work together to find a solution.” - Adjust workloads
Burnout often stems from unrealistic deadlines or excessive tasks:
- Reprioritize what is urgent vs. important
- Redistribute responsibilities
- Eliminate unnecessary tasks
3. Encourage real breaks
- Promote taking time off without guilt
- Avoid contacting employees outside working hours
- Encourage breaks throughout the day
- Provide flexibility
Options such as:
- Flexible schedules
- Remote or hybrid work
- Temporary adjustments in responsibilities
- Offer emotional support
- Access to mental health resources
- Employee assistance programs
- Safe spaces to speak openly without fear of consequences or retaliation
- Train leaders
Supervisors should know how to:
- Identify signs of burnout
- Have difficult conversations with empathy
- Avoid practices such as micromanagement
- Review workplace culture
If the issue is widespread, it is not individual:
- Is overwork normalized?
- Are unrealistic expectations constant?
- Is only extreme productivity rewarded?
- Provide meaning and recognition
Burnout worsens when work feels meaningless:
- Recognize achievements
- Connect tasks to a greater purpose
- Celebrate progress, not just final outcomes
