Brazil reports surge in worker burnout and related mental‑health leave

Recent data show a sharp rise in burnout among Brazilian employees. The Ministry of Health notes that about 30% of workers display burnout symptoms, and the National Institute of Social Security recorded more than 546,000 workers taking leave for mental‑health issues, including burnout, in 2025. The condition was formally recognized under the WHO’s ICD‑11 classification as of 2025, prompting companies to adopt new workplace‑wellness measures.

The trend was illustrated by former Globo executive Jak Rocha, who described a prolonged period of extreme fatigue, panic episodes and eventual diagnosis of burnout while on a business trip abroad. After multiple health crises she was also diagnosed with the rare Dercum syndrome, underscoring the severe personal impact of chronic occupational stress.

Experts warn that without clear boundaries between work and personal life, the growing culture of constant availability could further exacerbate the public‑health burden.