October Health – 2025 Report

Burnout in South Africa

The leading cause of burnout stress in South Africa is predominantly work-related stress driven by economic pressures, high unemployment rates, and job insecurity. This is compounded by long working hours, inadequate workplace support, and the challenge of balancing work and personal life amidst socio-economic hardships. In the workplace context, the lack of resources and high demands contribute significantly to burnout among the workforce.

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Burnout Prevalence
8.54%
Affected people
4,697,000

Impact on the people of South Africa

Effects of High Burnout Stress on Health and Personal Life

  • Physical Health

    • Chronic fatigue and exhaustion
    • Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases
    • Weakened immune system, leading to frequent illness
    • Sleep disturbances and insomnia

  • Mental Health

    • Heightened anxiety and depression symptoms
    • Difficulty concentrating and memory problems
    • Emotional numbness or detachment

  • Personal Life

    • Strained relationships with family and friends
    • Decreased motivation to engage in social and leisure activities
    • Reduced overall life satisfaction and happiness

Addressing burnout in the workplace through proactive support, like group sessions and assessments offered by platforms such as October, can help mitigate these effects.

Impact on the South Africa Economy

Effects of High Burnout Stress on an Economy

  • Decreased Productivity: Burnout reduces employee efficiency and output, leading to lower overall economic productivity.
  • Increased Absenteeism: High burnout causes frequent sick leaves and absenteeism, disrupting business operations.
  • Higher Healthcare Costs: Burnout-related mental and physical health issues increase healthcare expenses for employers and public systems.
  • Staff Turnover and Recruitment Costs: Burnout drives employees to quit, increasing hiring and training expenses.
  • Reduced Innovation: Chronic stress hampers creativity and problem-solving, slowing economic growth and competitiveness.
  • Impact on Workplace Morale: Widespread burnout lowers morale, affecting teamwork and organizational performance.

Supporting employee mental health with programs like October’s digital group sessions and assessments can mitigate these effects in the South African economy.

What can government do to assist?

  • Promote Work-Life Balance Policies: Encourage laws and workplace regulations that limit excessive working hours and ensure paid leave.
  • Support Mental Health Resources: Fund and promote access to affordable mental health services, including digital platforms like October for group sessions and assessments.
  • Raise Awareness and Education: Implement nationwide campaigns to educate employers and employees about burnout signs and prevention.
  • Encourage Flexible Work Arrangements: Support remote work and flexible schedules to reduce stressors related to commuting and rigid hours.
  • Enhance Job Security and Fair Compensation: Improve employment conditions to reduce financial stress and job-related uncertainty.
  • Invest in Workplace Wellbeing Programs: Provide incentives for companies to offer mental health support, stress management workshops, and employee assistance programs.

What can businesses do to assist their employees?

How a Company Can Lower Burnout Stress

  1. Promote Work-Life Balance
    Encourage reasonable working hours and flexible scheduling to help employees manage personal and professional life.

  2. Foster Open Communication
    Create a culture where employees feel safe discussing stressors and workload concerns without fear of stigma.

  3. Provide Mental Health Resources
    Offer access to counseling, digital group sessions, and educational content like those from October to help employees manage stress.

  4. Regularly Assess Workload
    Use employee assessments to identify burnout risk and redistribute tasks when necessary.

  5. Encourage Breaks and Time Off
    Reinforce the importance of taking breaks and using vacation time to recharge.

Implementing these steps can significantly decrease burnout and promote a healthier workplace.