Gen Z’s approach to work is known for setting firmer boundaries around time off and out-of-hours emails. But the reality is much darker; many young employees are struggling with burnout and it’s taking a serious toll on their careers.

Despite being newer to the world of work, Gen Z employees (those born between 1997 and 2012) are more likely to report a higher frequency of burnout-related symptoms than their older co-workers, according to new analysis by caba, the charity for chartered accountants and their families.

While some people decide to push through it, 55% of workers under 30 have had their ability to work affected by burnout – compared with just 17% of workers over 65. Age is also a factor in our susceptibility to feelings of burnout-related symptoms, with nearly two-fifths (39%) of accountants under 30 having been diagnosed or self-identified with depression.

Long hours and tight deadlines

Burnout doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It develops over time when overwhelming pressures, including long working hours and tight deadlines, lead to severe physical, emotional and behavioural symptoms.  

Add to that potential financial instability, the normalisation of ‘hustle culture’ and an inability to unwind and it’s perhaps no surprise that Gen Z has entered the workforce facing unique pressure that puts them at higher risk of burnout.

More than a generational issue, caba warns that this is a workplace crisis that requires immediate attention. So, with so many young people already reporting feelings of burnout in the earliest stages of their careers, what can be done to help those in the thick of it?

Supportive work environment

Ola Opoosun, Head of Support Services at caba, stresses the importance of a supportive work environment that encourages balanced lifestyles, flexible workloads, and a culture where taking time off is the norm—not the exception. Similarly, normalising mental health conversations can empower them to thrive, not just survive, in the workplace. 

Opoosun offers the following tips to help Gen Z colleagues better weather the burnout storm:

1. Encourage a balanced lifestyle  
   Managing burnout isn’t about doing it all; it’s about finding what works best for you. For the burnt-out Gen Z, physical activity is just one suggestion that can help manage burnout symptoms. This doesn’t need to involve intense workouts – activities such as taking a short walk, practising yoga, or even a brief stretch break during the workday can make a difference. 
2. Take time off 
   Caba research has shown that 42% of accountants reported that taking time off helped them manage burnout symptoms. Whether through annual leave or dedicating a few days for a mental reset, taking breaks allows for recovery from workplace demands.
3. Reduce workload or hours 
   Employers and businesses have a role to play in preventing burnout, along with supporting employees that are experiencing it. Line managers play a crucial role in this support. Open conversations about overwhelming workloads can result in collaborative solutions, such as adjusted schedules or redistributed responsibilities that can make workloads more manageable. 
4. Engage in a culture of support 
   Burnout often leads to feelings of isolation. Connecting with trusted colleagues or peers can counteract this. Sharing concerns, such as heavy workloads or student loan debts, and receiving support creates a sense of understanding and camaraderie. This mutual support fosters emotional resilience, which is needed to manage stress and combat exhaustion. 
5. Reach out for further support  
   While burnout isn’t classified as a mental health condition, its effects can cause significant emotional strain. Speaking with your manager or a mental health professional can provide effective strategies, tools and resilience-building techniques to manage symptoms and prevent further challenges. 

• Fear of stigma and embarrassment of getting help means many people face barriers to accessing support. Caba is dedicated to providing proactive resources and tailored interventions to help every generation manage their wellbeing and build resilience.