Burnout in Millennials Post COVID
Author: Katelyn Sullivan
The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped almost every aspect of our lives, with profound implications for the workplace. While the pandemic accelerated the trend of digital work environments, it also contributed to an alarming rise in burnout. Burnout is characterized by chronic stress, emotional exhaustion, and a sense of reduced accomplishment. Millennials find themselves particularly vulnerable to burnout in the post-COVID workplace.
The Millennial Generation
Millennials entered the workforce during a period of rapid technological advancement, increased job demands, and economic uncertainty. Many millennials were already experiencing high levels of stress related to student debt, career insecurity, and the challenge of balancing personal and professional lives. The COVID-19 pandemic added complexity and blurred the boundaries between home and office. The pandemic also intensified feelings of isolation, anxiety about job security, and a lack of work-life balance, all of which contribute to burnout.
Millennials are invested in personal fulfillment, flexibility, and professional growth. However, these aspirations can sometimes clash with the pressures of modern work environments, where expectations for constant availability, productivity, and high performance can lead to emotional exhaustion and a sense of hopelessness. Research shows that Millennials and Gen Z have reported the highest rates of burnout with the fastest increase rate beginning in 2021.
What is Burnout?
Burnout is a state of chronic emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, often in a workplace context. According to the World Health Organization, burnout is characterized by three key dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and decreased personal accomplishment.
Burnout can manifest as chronic fatigue, a lack of motivation, decreased job satisfaction, and a sense of disillusionment with career goals. The high levels of burnout are concerning because it not only affects individual well-being but also impacts organizational performance, leading to high turnover rates, decreased productivity, and poor mental health outcomes.
Factors of Burnout
Several factors contribute to the rise of burnout among millennials in the post-COVID era, some of which were exacerbated by the pandemic. These include:
- Remote Work and the Blurring of Boundaries
While offering flexibility, work-from-home arrangements have led to longer working hours, difficulty “switching off,” and the constant pressure to be available. Without clear boundaries, millennials find themselves answering emails and engaging in work outside of their standard
work hours, leading to a sense of being perpetually on-call. The isolation from colleagues and the absence of in-person interactions have also contributed to feelings of loneliness and disconnectedness, which can further exacerbate stress and burnout.
- Increased Job Demands and Expectations
As the economy shifted during and after the pandemic, many millennials found themselves facing heightened job demands, often with fewer resources and support. The economic uncertainty and instability created a pressure to perform at higher levels despite the ongoing challenges. For many millennials, this means taking on more tasks or responsibilities without adequate compensation or recognition. In addition, the expectation of 24/7 availability, due to constant connectivity, has created a toxic work environment. Millennials tend to feel that they must always be working in order to be considered successful in their jobs.
- Workplace Inequities and Lack of Support
Discrimination, lack of career advancement opportunities, and disparities in pay can compound feelings of burnout, leading to dissatisfaction and disillusionment with the workplace. The lack of adequate mental health support, career development resources, or opportunities for recognition can also contribute to burnout among millennials.
- Economic Insecurity
The economic uncertainty brought on by the pandemic and job market instability has had lasting effects on millennials’ sense of financial security. As many millennials entered adulthood around the 2008 financial crisis, they are accustomed to navigating economic instability. However, the pandemic exacerbated these fears, leading to increased anxiety about job security and long-term career prospects. The “Great Resignation,” where millions of workers voluntarily left their jobs during and after the pandemic, is attributed to workers seeking better work-life balance, more fulfilling careers, or improved working conditions.
The Psychological Impact of Burnout
When individuals experience burnout, their cognitive function, emotional well-being, and motivation are compromised. For millennials, the sense of personal failure and inadequacy that often accompanies burnout can undermine their long-term career goals. This generation may also struggle with feelings of isolation, as the desire for connection and community is an important factor to them. The stress resulting from burnout can also contribute to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and chronic stress. The constant pressure to achieve professional success, while dealing with personal challenges and societal expectations, can create a toxic cycle that is difficult to break.
Solutions for Burnout in the Workplace
- Encouraging Work-Life Balance
Organizations must provide flexible work arrangements that allow employees to create clear boundaries between their professional and personal lives. This can include offering flexible hours, remote work options, and encouraging time off. Leaders should model healthy work habits and discourage the expectation of constant availability.
- Promoting Mental Health Support
Mental health resources, including access to counseling, employee assistance programs (EAPs), and stress management workshops, should be made readily available. Organizations can also provide training on recognizing the signs of burnout and offering support to employees who may be struggling.
- Fostering Meaningful Work
Millennials value work that is purposeful and aligned with their personal values. Employers can help mitigate burnout by offering opportunities for career development, skills training, and growth within the company.
- Reducing Job Insecurity and Increasing Job Flexibility
In the post-COVID world, millennials and Gen Z are seeking job security and greater flexibility. Offering more permanent remote work options or hybrid models can help address these concerns, while also allowing employees to manage their time more effectively. Providing competitive salaries and job benefits can also reduce the stress associated with financial insecurity.
- Building Community and Connection
Rebuilding a sense of community in the workplace is vital to combating burnout. This includes encouraging social interactions, fostering team cohesion, and creating spaces for open dialogue. Virtual meet-ups, social events, and team-building activities can help employees feel more connected to their colleagues and the organization as a whole.
Tools to Manage Symptoms of Burnout
Taking action and having personal responses and solutions to managing burnout outside of what your workplace is willing to do is essential to managing burnout and well-being. Some tools to decrease symptoms of burnout can include,
- Having Realistic Expectations
- Knowing and Respecting your Boundaries and Limits
- Advocacy and Communication
- Awareness of Personal Values
- Shifting your Perspective (see what you are gaining and enjoying with your current job and being willing to make adaptations if the costs outway the benefits)
- Rest and Self-Care
- Limiting News and Social Media Consumption
- Having Goals for the Future
Seeking out mental health treatment to support through the process of managing burnout and workplace dissatisfaction can increase accountability, encouragement and success.
Equilibria is a group of licensed mental health professionals in Pennsylvania and New Jersey with multiple specialties to serve all aspects of our diverse community’s mental, emotional, and behavioral needs. We provide in person and telehealth services to individuals of all ages, families, and those in relationships. Click here to schedule an appointment today.
