New data reveals the extent of burnout and exhaustion in Australian workforces

The most effective methods of supporting employees entail more than wellbeing programs, one expert has claimed.

According to new research from Allianz Australia, almost 2 million Australians are stressing over work instead of sleeping. Job-related stress and pressure, as well as ineffective or unclear support programs, are affecting both workplaces and workers – and the latter are calling out for practical solutions that address the root of the cause.

The research, conducted by YouGov, revealed a range of initiatives or benefits referenced by surveyed workers, with 45 per cent wanting mental health days and wellbeing leave, and over 30 per cent reporting an interest in initiatives that would reduce admin and unnecessary tasks that often contribute to cognitive overload.

Employees also felt office benefits that allow for social connection and provide a break, such as going for coffee or lunch, would improve their wellbeing, and 18 per cent also admitted they would be open to negotiating their salary for the sake of flexible or hybrid work arrangements.

The research also found that nearly 2 million Australian employees hold negative feelings towards their work, and a further 15 per cent feel the demands of their job have a negative impact on their familial or social relationships.

In 2025, there was a 17.3 per cent increase in primary psychological workers’ compensation claims, of which over 40 per cent were associated with mental stress and work pressure. According to Allianz Australia, the cost of psychological injuries is also 2.7 times that of a physical injury claim, providing an even stronger motivator for organisations looking to make actionable changes for their employees.

According to Brianna Cattanach, Allianz Australia national manager of mental health strategy in personal injury, “organisations care deeply about their people, but there’s a clear opportunity for leaders to incorporate feedback from employees to improve their approach to workplace culture, job design and support”.

She said: “It’s a critical time for Australian leaders and organisations to evaluate if their current wellbeing and cultural initiatives are positively impacting their employees.”

Australian organisations are set to invest over $36 billion in wellbeing and cultural initiatives, with one in 10 likely to spend over $100,000 this year – but the defining factor will be in how this money is spent.

In addressing the issue, Cattanach said: “One frequent misconception is that wellbeing and support programs alone can address negative impacts of workplace stress, without considering the impact of ineffectively managed workload, poor role clarity, or opportunities for social connection.”

Currently, 74 per cent of surveyed employees don’t believe their organisation has a clear strategy in place to address workplace burnout, and three-quarters also reported they don’t have clear communication channels with their manager.

As Cattanach highlighted, “there is a clear need for organisations to take meaningful action to support their people”.

She also identified the need for more practical, concrete solutions, stating: “Effective job design actions, such as automating low-value tasks, helping employees understand work expectations and priorities and creating clear communication channels, are crucial to reducing work-related stress and addressing burnout.”

Cattanach added: “These actions should be paired with workplace initiatives that respond to concerns specific to the workplace, and support opportunities for meaningful social connection and shared experience for the greatest impact.”

“By doubling down on the fundamentals of culture, job design and capability, organisations can start to truly turn the dial on workplace burnout.”