October Health – 2025 Report

Burnout in United States

The leading cause of burnout stress in the United States population is chronic workplace stress, primarily driven by excessive workload, lack of control over work, insufficient reward, unclear job expectations, and poor work-life balance. Organizational factors such as high job demands combined with limited resources contribute significantly to burnout. For companies looking to address this, offering digital group sessions through October can be an effective way to support employees' mental health and reduce burnout.

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Burnout Prevalence
21.7%
Affected people
11,935,000

Impact on the people of United States

Effects of High Burnout Stress on Health and Personal Life

  • Physical Health:

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

  • Mental Health:

    • Anxiety and depression
    • Reduced cognitive function, including memory and concentration
    • Emotional exhaustion and irritability

  • Personal Life:

    • Strained relationships due to irritability or withdrawal
    • Decreased motivation for social activities and hobbies
    • Poor work-life balance leading to reduced overall life satisfaction

Workplace Suggestion:
Consider digital group sessions and mental health assessments, like those offered by October, to identify burnout early and provide supportive mental health resources.

Impact on the United States Economy

Effects of High Burnout Stress on an Economy

  • Reduced Productivity: Burnout leads to decreased employee performance and efficiency, lowering overall economic output.
  • Increased Absenteeism: High burnout results in more sick days and absenteeism, disrupting workflows and increasing costs for businesses.
  • Higher Turnover Rates: Burnout causes employees to quit, leading to recruitment and training expenses that burden companies.
  • Healthcare Costs Increase: Mental health issues linked to burnout increase demand for medical care and disability claims, raising public and private healthcare spending.
  • Lower Innovation: Burnout stifles creativity and problem-solving, reducing competitive advantages in the market.
  • Negative Impact on Consumer Spending: Stress can reduce workers’ disposable income and spending power, slowing economic growth.

Using platforms like October for group sessions and mental health support can help organizations reduce burnout and mitigate these economic impacts.

What can government do to assist? 

 Strategies a Country Can Implement to Lower Burnout Stress

1. **Promote Work-Life Balance Legislation**
   - Enforce limits on maximum working hours.
   - Encourage flexible working arrangements (remote work, flextime).

2. **Increase Access to Mental Health Resources**
   - Fund public mental health services.
   - Provide workplace mental health programs and digital support platforms like October for group sessions and assessments.

3. **Raise Awareness and Education**
   - Launch nationwide campaigns on burnout prevention.
   - Train employers and managers in recognizing and managing burnout symptoms.

4. **Encourage Supportive Workplace Cultures**
   - Incentivize organizations to foster positive work environments.
   - Promote leadership styles that prioritize employee wellbeing.

5. **Improve Economic and Job Security**
   - Strengthen unemployment benefits and job protection.
   - Support worker rights to reduce stress related to job insecurity.

Implementing these measures can help reduce burnout on a broad scale by targeting workplace stress and improving overall wellbeing.

What can businesses do to assist their employees?

  • Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage regular breaks and reasonable work hours to prevent overwork.
  • Offer Flexible Scheduling: Allow employees to adjust their work hours or remote work to better manage personal needs.
  • Provide Mental Health Resources: Implement digital platforms like October for group sessions, assessments, and educational content.
  • Encourage Open Communication: Foster a culture where employees feel safe discussing stress and workload concerns.
  • Recognize and Reward Efforts: Acknowledge accomplishments to boost morale and reduce feelings of being undervalued.