Rising Burnout: Understanding Why South Africans Face Stress Earlier in Life

Johannesburg – At present, more than 3.5 billion working adults invest about 90,000 hours—roughly 45 years—of their lives into their employment.

With Corporate Wellness Week (1–5 July) on the horizon, there is a growing focus on the rising occurrence of workplace burnout in South Africa.

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) estimates that approximately one in three employees in the nation may encounter burnout, a condition linked to persistent and unmanaged stress.

Burnout extends beyond simple exhaustion; it embodies a profound state of emotional, physical, and mental depletion induced by prolonged stress.

Factors contributing to burnout may stem from workplace pressures or personal difficulties such as severe illnesses or family matters.

If left unaddressed, burnout can lead to numerous health issues, including disrupted sleep patterns, cognitive impairments, and a heightened risk of depression.

Nicole Jennings, a spokesperson for Pharma Dynamics, indicates that burnout doesn’t happen overnight—it accumulates gradually, often going unnoticed until it becomes overwhelming.

“It frequently manifests as increased productivity—individuals work harder, forgo breaks, and sacrifice sleep in pursuit of performance, until their health begins to decline.”

Who’s most at risk

Although burnout can affect a broad spectrum of employees, those in high-stress professions, like healthcare and emergency services, are particularly vulnerable.

These roles demand long hours, impose substantial emotional burdens, and often allow very little time for recovery.

Earlier this year (2025), a worldwide survey involving over 30,000 employees, conducted by the McKinsey Health Institute in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, indicated that women, members of the LGBTQI+ community, younger individuals, neurodivergent individuals, and those facing financial hardships reported considerably poorer health outcomes at work.

In South Africa, these challenges are aggravated by harsh economic conditions, such as high unemployment, load-shedding, and insufficient service delivery, creating an environment in which stress can easily escalate to burnout.

“Many individuals in their 20s and 30s, in particular, have come of age amid global uncertainty,” Jennings commented.

“They are grappling with financial pressures, disrupted education or career trajectories, and social isolation due to the challenges of forging connections in today’s hyper-digital world—all of which intensify the mental load.”

A recent report from the American Psychological Association reveals that younger adults are significantly more likely than older generations to feel overwhelmed, isolated, and ineffective due to stress.

Financial worries play a substantial role, with nearly 70% of 18–44-year-olds confessing to feeling overwhelmed by money-related concerns.

What can be done

While technology has revolutionized the workplace, it has also blurred the boundaries between professional and personal life.

The constant connectivity facilitated by devices such as smartphones and laptops makes it challenging for many employees to disconnect, leading to prolonged encounters with work-related stressors.

This “always-on” culture is a major contributing factor to amplified burnout.

Jennings insists that addressing burnout necessitates a holistic approach:

• Set boundaries: Establish clear work-life boundaries. Refrain from checking work emails or messages outside designated hours.
• Digital detox: Allocate specific times during the day to unplug from digital devices. Engage in non-screen activities such as reading or outdoor walks.
• Seek support: Share your experiences regarding stress or burnout with friends, family, or professionals. Opening up can offer relief and guidance.
• Healthy lifestyle: Adhere to a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. These fundamental health practices can bolster resilience against stress.
• Mindfulness and relaxation: Integrate mindfulness techniques like meditation or deep-breathing exercises to manage stress effectively.

Employers also have a crucial part to play in combating burnout.

By fostering a supportive work environment, promoting regular breaks, and acknowledging employee successes, organizations can help diminish the risk of burnout within their workforce.

The business case

The McKinsey research further indicated that companies prioritizing employee health generally witness enhanced productivity, reduced absenteeism, lowered healthcare expenses, and improved employee engagement and retention.

Such initiatives demonstrate that cultivating a healthier workforce can lead to significant economic advantages as well.

“Burnout may initially be inconspicuous, but its repercussions are profoundly experienced—in our homes, relationships, and workplaces,” emphasizes Jennings.

“We need to shift the narrative from glorifying overwork to valuing mental resilience.

“Corporate Wellness Week is not just another awareness initiative—it’s a chance for all of us, whether as employers or employees, to take a moment, reflect, and aim for a healthier work-life balance.

“Let this be the defining moment we commit to meaningful change, not only for ourselves but for future generations.”