Are You Burned Out at Work? You’re Not Alone

Are You Burned Out at Work? You’re Not Alone

As the pandemic eases in some parts of the world, we’re seeing the so-called “great resignation:” 20 million people in the U.S. have quit their jobs since April, according to federal statistics. Jennifer Moss explains this phenomenon in her new book “The Burnout Epidemic,” and speaks with Michel Martin about why this is a cultural, rather than an individual, problem.

From a crisis of democracy to a crisis in the workplace. And as the pandemic eases in some parts of the world, we see a so-called great resignation. Since April, 20 million people in the U.S. have quit their jobs, according to federal statistics. Jennifer Moss explains this phenomenon in her new book, “The Burnout Epidemic.” Here she is talking to Michel Martin about the causes and why this is a cultural, not an individual problem.

Jennifer speaks about the definition of burnout, why it’s essential to think of this as a workplace problem, and the dire consequences of burnout on individuals. 

She also talks about ‘The Great Resignation’, and why she feels burnout is a significant factor in this phenomenon. “And the data is representing that. When you look at the Microsoft survey, for example, that looked at 30,000 employees globally, only 4 percent said it was compensation as their reason for leaving. Most people were saying that unsustainable workloads which is a strong predictor of burnout. They are talking about not feeling supported in their mental health at work. We’re seeing a lot of people describing this sense of loneliness and isolation, working apart from teams in hybrid and work from home scenarios.”

PBS and WNET, in collaboration with CNN, launched the one-hour late-night public affairs series Amanpour and Company, featuring wide-ranging, in-depth conversations with global thought leaders and cultural influencers on the issues and trends impacting the world each day, from politics, business and technology to arts, science and sports.

Burnout - “Burn-out, being burnt out, or burned out, is a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It should not be applied to describe experiences in other areas of life.” - World Health Organization.