Who hasn’t asked a coworker, classmate, or family member how they’re doing, only to hear the response, “Tired”? This shared experience has become so common, that it has now been deemed The Great Exhaustion.

According to Jennifer Dimoff, an organizational psychologist at the Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa, the Great Exhaustion is a “collective experience of being burned out, tired, and emotionally fatigued by work and all things in our world that go beyond work.”

Burnout today is a significant problem. An online survey by staffing agency Robert Half, from May 31, 2023, found that 36 per cent of the 1,132 Canadian professionals surveyed reported feeling more burned out than a year ago.

The primary factors contributing to burnout were heavy workloads (54 per cent), lack of communication and support from management (29 per cent), and a toxic organizational culture (26 per cent).

Another ADP Canada survey, conducted with Maru Public Opinion on Nov. 1, 2023, showed that more than half of Canadian workers (53 per cent) have negative feelings about their jobs, and almost a third (30 per cent) feel tired and overworked. The results underscore the need to refocus on work-life balance, compensation and family considerations in today’s evolving workplace.

Both surveys indicate that more efforts are needed to promote a healthy work culture.

Dr. Anne Toth has more than 40 years of experience helping people affected by trauma, disabilities, grief and work-related issues. Toth offered valuable insight into how long-term stress impacts mental health and well-being.

“Many people will become depressed or anxious due to this prolonged stress,” Toth said. “We like to work; it’s an essential part of our lives. But we need a balance to rest, spend time with loved ones, and engage in our communities. Without balance, our lives become about just getting through work, and we lose out on good nutrition, exercise, and meaningful relationships.”

Rest is essential to regaining energy and concentration, and to prevent exhaustion. However, some people feel they can’t take time off because they have too much work or they worry it will affect their job security. Toth explained this non-stop situation can lead to a vicious cycle in which people, overwhelmed by stress, withdraw from activities that could provide relief.

“People may come home and overeat or sleep as a form of comfort, neglecting exercise and social interactions,” Toth said. “This imbalance can cause skills to atrophy and relationships to deteriorate, leading to greater isolation and unhappiness.”

Toth also emphasized that a high level of burnout is not always related to work. Personal issues such as family problems, health problems or caring for elderly parents can also contribute significantly.

“You might retreat to work to cope with family stress, but then have no place to recharge, compounding the problem,” Toth explained.

The Great Exhaustion encapsulates the overwhelming stress from work and broader concerns about global issues such as climate change, political instability, and the increasing cost of living.

The physical manifestations of severe stress can also be alarming.

Dr. Toth warned that chronic stress can lead to panic attacks, hypertension, and even symptoms resembling heart attacks. “Over time, hypertension can damage your body and organs, even without a history of heart disease,” Toth said. “Serious depression can follow, sometimes leading to thoughts of self-harm or suicide. It’s a huge problem that affects not just the individual but everyone around them.”

Interestingly, Generation Z and Millennials have the highest levels of burnout. According to Toth, younger people may have more difficulty coping because they do not have enough life experience or support systems.

“Young people may lack resources to cope with stress healthily,” Toth noted. “They might resort to unhealthy behaviours like excessive drinking or isolation, exacerbating their stress.”

Despite the daunting nature of the Great Exhaustion, Toth offered hope. Recognizing the problem and seeking help are critical first steps, she said.

“We all make mistakes and need support, regardless of age,” Toth said. “The best thing we can do is reach out and say, ‘I’m having difficulty and need help.’”

Building and maintaining balance is also essential. Toth advised integrating fun and relaxation into daily routines, alongside work.

“Many people have eliminated all fun from their lives,” Toth observed. “We need to make time for hobbies, social interactions, and activities that bring us joy.”

Taking a break and seeking professional support can be transformative for those feeling overwhelmed.

“Sometimes we need to stop, see a counsellor, and sort things out,” Toth suggested. “Early intervention can prevent long-term damage. Eating well, exercising, and maintaining social connections are foundational to well-being.”

The Great Exhaustion is a complex issue with deep-rooted causes and widespread effects. It underscores the importance of work-life balance and the need for systemic changes to support mental health. As Canada moves forward, initiatives like the federal government’s pledge to update the Canada Labour Code to allow workers to disconnect outside working hours offer a glimmer of hope.

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland highlighted that such proposals aim to address the unique challenges faced by Gen Z workers. However, the implementation timeline remains uncertain, leaving many to navigate the ongoing pressures independently.

In the face of these challenges, the insights from experts like Toth provide a roadmap to resilience. By recognizing the signs of burnout, seeking help, and striving for balance, individuals can begin to reclaim their well-being amidst The Great Exhaustion. As Toth encouraged, “Don’t give up. With a little effort, significant positive changes are possible.”