In a revealing study published by Forbes, job burnout has alarmingly surged to an unprecedented 66% in 2025. This increase suggests that the return-to-office (RTO) mandates might exacerbate stress levels for employees already grappling with demanding work environments.

When hard work results in a headache

The study highlights that younger employees, particularly those between the ages of 18 to 34, are experiencing the highest rates of burnout. Contributing factors include excessive work demands, insufficient resources, a challenging economic climate, and labor shortages. These elements are creating a perfect storm for stress and exhaustion in the workplace.

Moreover, the research sheds light on the growing concerns and openness towards artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the workplace. While some employees express anxiety over AI potentially replacing their roles, others see it as a tool to enhance productivity.

Key Factors Behind Job Burnout

  • Work Overload: Many employees report having more tasks than time to complete them.
  • Resource Insufficiency: A significant number of workers lack the necessary tools to perform their jobs effectively.
  • Economic Challenges: A poor economy is impacting overall well-being at work.
  • Labor Shortages: Employees are taking on extra work due to industry-wide labor shortages.

Employer Strategies to Mitigate Burnout

Experts urge employers to prioritize employee well-being to combat this rising tide of burnout. Measures such as promoting vacations and enhancing professional development opportunities are recommended. Jason Gamel, President and CEO of ARDA, emphasizes the importance of taking time off to maintain mental and physical health, reduce stress, and improve productivity.

Kimberly Marshall, Chief HR Officer at Travel + Leisure Company, points out that their mission is to encourage employees to take advantage of travel benefits, which can significantly reduce stress and prevent burnout. Similarly, Michael Yonker from Marriott Vacations Worldwide notes the transformative power of vacations in keeping employees productive and engaged.

As the workforce continues to evolve, it is crucial for companies to stay attuned to changing employee attitudes and expectations. The high rates of burnout among younger generations present an opportunity for organizations to re-prioritize employee well-being and foster a healthier work-life balance.

More Articles

Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!

Mortgage Applications Slip as Mixed Market Signals Create Uncertainty

The latest MBA survey shows overall mortgage applications dipping 1.4% during the holiday week, even as purchase activity rose on a seasonally adjusted basis. Refinances cooled despite lower rates, which averaged 6.32% for a 30‑year fixed. Rising ARMs and shifting buyer behavior highlight a market still trying to stabilize amid softening economic indicators.

Commercial Real Estate Deal Growth Stalls Heading Into 2026

October delivered the first year‑over‑year slowdown in commercial real estate deals in nearly two years, signaling a growing disconnect between buyers and sellers as elevated rates and policy uncertainty reshape pricing expectations. While multifamily cooled and office assets traded at steep discounts, hotels and adaptive‑reuse projects stood out as rare bright spots. For professionals across real estate, mortgage, and finance, the shifting landscape underscores the need for sharper analysis and continued education heading into 2026.

US Workers’ Comp Market Faces Higher Costs and New Regulations Heading Into 2026

The US workers’ compensation market is bracing for a pivotal year in 2026 as medical inflation, rising claim complexity, and tightening state regulations push costs higher for insurers and employers. With cumulative trauma injuries increasing and states expanding presumption laws—especially for first responders and healthcare workers—underwriting strategies are being forced to evolve. At the same time, technology like predictive analytics and workplace wearables is reshaping loss prevention, while more organizations turn to captives and hybrid programs to manage volatility.

How Florida Realtors Quietly Built a Tech Empire That Now Powers North American Real Estate

Over the past 25 years, Florida Realtors has transformed from a simple support desk into one of the most influential tech ecosystems in real estate. Through member‑driven tools like Tech Helpline, Form Simplicity and the new Sabal Sign platform, the association has built a stable, fully integrated system used by agents across the U.S. and Canada. Free from outside investors and focused entirely on member needs, Florida Realtors has quietly become a tech powerhouse—proving that long-term vision, not venture capital, is what truly drives innovation in the industry.

Flood Disclosures Could Reshape Massachusetts Real Estate as Climate Risks Rise

Massachusetts is poised for a major shift in home‑sale transparency as Gov. Maura Healey pushes for mandatory flood disclosures — a change that could impact buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals statewide. With worsening climate conditions and growing flood damage in communities like Winthrop and Salem, the proposal aims to ensure buyers understand a property’s true risk before they commit. The move has wide support from insurers and municipalities, while the real estate industry remains split over its potential impact on the state’s long‑standing “buyer beware” culture.

Florida’s Insurance Market Begins to Stabilize as New Reforms Take Effect

Florida’s long‑troubled property insurance market is finally showing early signs of recovery. Thanks to recent legislative reforms that reduced litigation and attracted new insurers, some homeowners are even seeing their premiums drop. These improvements are boosting consumer confidence and creating new opportunities for real estate, mortgage, and insurance professionals across the state.