European Union workers face rising burnout rates

Approximately 13% of workers in the European Union report experiencing chronic physical and emotional exhaustion due to their jobs, according to data from the International Labour Organization (ILO). This exhaustion is a primary symptom of burnout, a phenomenon characterized by reduced professional efficacy and feelings of detachment or cynicism toward work.

The World Health Organization (WHO) included burnout in its international classification of diseases (ICD-11) in 2022, categorizing it as an occupational phenomenon resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.

The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) has described the situation as a “workplace stress emergency,” attributing the rise in burnout to poor work organization, staffing shortages, job insecurity, and a culture of constant availability. Beyond the human impact, mental health issues related to work are estimated to cost the European economy more than 600 billion euros annually.