October Health – 2025 Report

Burnout in United States

The leading cause of burnout stress in the United States is often attributed to excessive workload and unrealistic job expectations. Other contributing factors include lack of support from management, insufficient resources, and poor work-life balance. These systemic issues in workplace culture can create an environment where employees feel overwhelmed, leading to high levels of stress and burnout. Implementing organizational support programs, such as those offered by October, can help mitigate these effects.

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Burnout Prevalence
24.2%
Affected people
13,310,000

Impact on the people of United States

Effects of High Amount of Burnout Stress

Health Impacts

  1. Physical Health Problems: Increased risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.
  2. Mental Health Disorders: Heightened chances of anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues.
  3. Fatigue: Persistent fatigue can lead to decreased energy and motivation, negatively affecting daily activities.
  4. Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep, leading to insomnia or restless sleep.

Personal Life Impacts

  1. Reduced Relationships Quality: Strain on personal relationships due to irritability and lack of emotional availability.
  2. Social Withdrawal: Increased isolation from friends and family, leading to loneliness.
  3. Decreased Life Satisfaction: Diminished enjoyment of life activities, hobbies, and personal interests.
  4. Impaired Work-Life Balance: An inability to separate work stress from personal time, affecting overall well-being.

Mental health resources like October can provide support through digital group sessions and assessments to help address burnout and improve mental health in the workplace.

Impact on the United States Economy

Effects of High Burnout Stress on an Economy

  1. Decreased Productivity: Employees experiencing burnout are often less engaged and less productive, leading to reduced overall output.

  2. Increased Absenteeism: Higher levels of burnout result in more sick days and absenteeism, disrupting workflow and increasing operational costs.

  3. Higher Employee Turnover: Organizations face higher retention costs as burnt-out employees leave, which creates hiring and training expenses.

  4. Health Care Costs: Burnout leads to increased mental health issues, which can elevate health care costs for employers and the economy as a whole.

  5. Lower Job Satisfaction: A workforce suffering from burnout exhibits lower morale, which can lead to a vicious cycle of disengagement and further burnout.

  6. Reduced Innovation: Burned-out employees are less likely to generate new ideas or improvements, stifling innovation and growth in the economy.

To mitigate burnout, companies might consider integrating resources like October's digital group sessions and assessments to support their employees' mental health.

What can government do to assist?

Strategies to Lower Burnout Stress

  1. Promote Work-Life Balance

    • Encourage flexible working hours and remote work options.
    • Mandate regular breaks and minimum vacation time.

  2. Increase Mental Health Resources

    • Provide access to mental health services and support programs.
    • Promote offerings from companies like October, including group sessions and assessments.

  3. Enhance Workplace Culture

    • Foster an inclusive and supportive environment.
    • Encourage open communication about mental health and stress.

  4. Implement Training Programs

    • Train managers to recognize signs of burnout and provide appropriate support.
    • Offer workshops on stress management and resilience.

  5. Encourage Employee Feedback

    • Create channels for employees to voice their concerns and suggestions.
    • Act on feedback to improve work conditions and address burnout.

  6. Set Realistic Workloads

    • Ensure tasks are manageable and aligned with employee capabilities.
    • Avoid excessive overtime and ensure project timelines are reasonable.

What can businesses do to assist their employees?

Strategies to Lower Burnout Stress in the Workplace

  1. Promote Work-Life Balance
    Encourage flexible working hours and remote work options to help employees manage personal responsibilities alongside work commitments.

  2. Regular Check-Ins
    Implement frequent one-on-one meetings between employees and managers to discuss workload, challenges, and well-being.

  3. Encourage Unplugging
    Advocate for regular breaks throughout the day and encourage employees to disconnect after work hours to recharge.

  4. Access to Mental Health Resources
    Provide access to mental health services, such as counseling or workshops like those offered by October and October, to support employee well-being.

  5. Foster a Supportive Culture
    Create an environment where employees feel safe to discuss stress and burnout without stigma, promoting open conversations about mental health.

  6. Recognition and Rewards
    Acknowledge employees’ hard work and contributions; recognition can boost morale and reduce feelings of being undervalued.

  7. Training for Managers
    Equip managers with training on recognizing signs of burnout and effective support strategies for their teams.