More U.S. Workers Report Burnout as Hiring Delays and Heavy Workloads Persist

Workplace burnout continues to surge, with 36% of U.S. professionals reporting they feel burned out and one-third saying it’s worse than a year ago, according to a March 2025 report from staffing firm Robert Half. The top contributors include heavy workloads, long hours, lack of managerial support, and limited career advancement. Young professionals—specifically Gen Z and Millennials—along with working parents and employees at small or midsize companies, are the most affected groups.

For employers, burnout is more than a worker wellness issue—it’s a major business challenge. A companion survey of hiring managers found that unfilled roles are fueling further strain, causing delays in project timelines, reduced productivity, and higher turnover. In fact, 42% of hiring managers say burnout is the leading impact of staffing delays.

Robert Half advises organizations to take proactive steps, such as promoting time off, hiring contract workers to relieve workloads, recognizing employee contributions, and fostering transparent communication. These efforts are critical to prevent burnout from derailing operations and undermining employee retention.

With ongoing labor market pressures and increased demands on existing staff, companies that don’t address burnout risk long-term impacts to performance and morale. Strategic support and staffing adjustments can make the difference in both team well-being and business continuity.