New report reveals lack of confidence in employers' measures to address burnout
Work-related stress and pressure are costing nearly two million Australians their sleep, according to a new report, as burnout physically manifests in the workforce without clear initiatives and support from employers.
A new research from Allianz Australia found that 18% of employees report they often lose sleep due to the stress and pressure of their job.
When this percentage is applied to the number of Australians aged 18 and over in the workforce, based on Australian Bureau of Statistics data, it equates to nearly two million employees estimated to be affected by work-related stress.
Poor sleeping habits are one of the symptoms of burnout in the workplace, according to Allianz, which said its claims data reflect these findings.
There was a relative 17.3% increase in Primary Psychological Workers Compensation claims between the 2024 and 2025 calendar years, with 42.3% of overall psychological claims being caused by mental stress and work pressure.
No plans to address burnout
As burnout continues to affect the workforce, the report also found that many employees lack confidence that their employers will address it.
Nearly three in four (74%) employees believe their organisation does not have a clear strategy in place to reduce workplace burnout.
Another 75% of employees also said they do not have clear communication channels to discuss burnout with their manager.
Allianz's findings showed that 10% of organisations in Australia are planning to invest over $100,000 into wellbeing and culture initiatives this year.
But Brianna Cattanach, Allianz Australia National Manager Mental Health Strategy – Personal Injury, said their findings also underscore the need to reassess current wellbeing and cultural initiatives.
"We know 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," Cattanach said in a statement.
"It's a critical time for Australian leaders and organisations to evaluate if their current wellbeing and cultural initiatives are positively impacting their employees."
What do employees want?
To address burnout, employees have recommended a variety of measures that employers can implement in the workplace.
Nearly half (45%) of the respondents said they want their organisations to invest in mental health days and wellbeing leave.
Around a third of employees also said they want better benefits in the office, such as free coffee and lunches (35%), as well as measures to reduce administrative and unnecessary tasks that contribute to overload at work (31%).
A further 18% said they would also be open to negotiating their salary for flexible or hybrid working conditions, according to the report.
"Our new research revealed that employees believe proactive mental health days, a greater focus on social connection and recovery opportunities, initiatives to address low value work and a focus on leadership capability would most benefit their experience at work," Cattanach said.
"By doubling down on the fundamentals of culture, job design and capability, organisations can start to truly turn the dial on workplace burnout."
