For decades, researchers have examined the factors contributing to workplace burnout. Yet, one key area often overlooked is gender. Affecting thousands of workers annually, burnout manifests differently for men and women, as revealed in a new study.
“Our results show that there are differences between men and women because workers are subject to different working conditions from the outset, depending on their gender,” said the study's lead author. Female employees often experience burnout more quickly due to the nature of their roles.
“Many women hold positions that offer little leeway in decision-making, meaning their work provides low levels of authority, decision-making power, and skill utilization,” the researcher explained. “This type of role, over which women have less control, drives burnout.”
The study found that lower self-esteem and heightened work-family conflict—such as work intruding on family time or leaving no energy for non-work activities—are more prevalent among women and frequently lead to burnout.
Interestingly, time spent on household chores (like washing dishes or running errands) can help women prevent burnout. "This is one of the most surprising findings of our study," the researcher noted. “We found that many women use household tasks as a strategy to escape work demands and recharge.”
What about men? Burnout factors for men are more complex, tied to time management. Longer hours or atypical schedules increase work-family conflict, impacting their mental health.
Some triggers transcend gender: excessive psychological demands, job insecurity, and lack of recognition at work contribute to burnout for both men and women.
