by HRHQ Editorial Team
According to new data from the McKinsey Health Institute, nearly one in four European workers report signs of burnout—a troubling indicator of the growing mental health crisis in the workplace. The findings, drawn from a global survey of over 30,000 employees across 30 countries, reveal that burnout is no longer a fringe issue but a mainstream challenge affecting productivity, well-being, and retention.
Burnout symptoms—ranging from emotional exhaustion to reduced job satisfaction—are strongly linked to workplace demands such as toxic behavior, lack of inclusivity, and unsustainable workloads. The McKinsey report emphasizes that simply offering wellness perks or flexible hours isn’t enough. Organisations must address both the demands placed on employees and the enablers of holistic health, including supportive leadership, growth opportunities, and a sense of purpose.
The economic implications are staggering. McKinsey estimates that disengagement and attrition tied to poor well-being could cost a median-size company hundreds of millions annually in lost productivity. In the UK alone, improving employee well-being could add up to £370 billion to the economy each year.
As burnout becomes a pan-European concern, employers are urged to rethink their approach to workplace health. The shift from reactive wellness programs to proactive, systemic change may be the key to reversing the trend—and helping workers thrive, not just survive.
