Burnout in Australia: A Manager's Guide

Burnout isn’t just about feeling tired. It’s a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress — and it’s affecting more Australians than ever before. In fact, recent studies show that 1 in 3 Australian workers is experiencing symptoms of burnout, with the number rising in high-pressure industries and among managers.

So what’s driving this burnout epidemic, and how can we better identify and address it — both for ourselves and our teams?

Why Are So Many Australians Burning Out?

There’s no single cause of burnout, but several key factors are fuelling the rise:

• Increased Workloads & Unrealistic Expectations
  Many employees are juggling more responsibilities without extra time or support, leading to chronic stress and overwhelm.
• Always-On Culture
  With remote work and digital tools, the line between “work time” and “personal time” has blurred. People feel pressure to be constantly available — even after hours.
• Lack of Recognition
  A lack of feedback, appreciation or a sense of purpose can chip away at motivation and fuel emotional fatigue.
• Poor Work-Life Balance
  When work consistently takes priority over rest, family, and health, it’s only a matter of time before burnout takes hold.
• Mental Health Stigma
  Despite growing awareness, many Australians still hesitate to speak up about burnout due to fear of being seen as weak or incapable.

What Does Burnout Look Like?

Burnout isn’t just feeling stressed — it’s what happens when stress goes unaddressed for too long. Look out for these red flags in yourself or your team:

Emotional Signs:

• Feeling detached or cynical about work

• Increased irritability or mood swings

• Loss of motivation or sense of accomplishment

• Feeling helpless, trapped or defeated

Physical Signs:

• Constant fatigue, even after rest

• Headaches or body aches

• Changes in sleep or appetite

• Frequent illness due to a weakened immune system

Behavioural Signs:

• Procrastination or reduced performance

• Withdrawing from social interaction

• Increased use of alcohol or other coping mechanisms

• Avoiding responsibilities or calling in sick more often

What Can You Do?

If you or someone in your team is showing signs of burnout, early intervention is key.

Start by:

• Encouraging open, honest conversations around workload and mental health
• Setting boundaries for work hours and promoting regular breaks
• Prioritising tasks and eliminating unnecessary pressure
• Celebrating small wins and recognising effort regularly
• Reaching out for professional support when needed

We’re Here to Help

At Drake WellbeingHub, we work with businesses across Australia and New Zealand to create healthier, happier workplaces. From employee wellbeing programs to manager training and burnout prevention workshops, we support teams to thrive — not just survive.

Need help building a more balanced culture?
Let’s talk.