The things we google reveal a lot about how we feel. With searches for “burnout signs and symptoms” up by 50% worldwide in 2024, Instant Offices has analysed trends across 30 global cities to determine where burnout is most prevalent.
To identify the cities with the highest interest in burnout, Instant Offices studied Google searches related to burnout symptoms and how to cope with burnout. The data shows that 91% of Brits have faced “high or extreme levels” of pressure or stress in the past year, with one in five UK workers taking time off due to the mental health impacts of this stress. London emerged as the city with the highest level of burnout sentiment, then Melbourne, Singapore, and New York.
Both Singapore and New York are struggling with cultures of overwork. In Singapore, 47% of workers report feeling mentally or physically exhausted at the end of the day, with over two in five finding it increasingly hard to stay motivated. In the US, workplace stress is also reaching alarming levels. 57% of US workers experience negative consequences from work-related stress, including emotional exhaustion, lower productivity, and a lack of motivation.
Despite Australia’s laid-back image, two of its major cities – Melbourne and Sydney – ranked in the top five cities where burnout is most often searched. This is likely tied to what some call the “Great Australian Burnout.” A Gallup study found that 48% of Australian workers experience daily stress, while 64% say they aren’t engaged at work.
Globally, the cities with the highest burnout-related search volumes are:
- London: 2,240 searches per month
- Melbourne: 1,040
- Singapore: 950
- New York: 880
- Sydney: 870
- Toronto: 710
- Montreal: 540
- Amsterdam: 520
- Los Angeles: 460
- Berlin: 420
Spotting and stopping burnout
Burnout has been officially recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an “occupational phenomenon” caused by chronic, unmanaged workplace stress. According to the WHO, burnout has three key characteristics:
- Energy depletion or exhaustion
- Feelings of negativity, cynicism, or mental distance from work
- Reduced professional efficacy
Top causes of burnout in the UK
These are the main factors that UK workers say contribute to their stress:
- 54% Cite a High Workload or An Increase in Unpaid Tasks
- 45% Report Regularly Working Unpaid Overtime
- 42% Feel Isolated at Work
- 40% Worry About Job Security or Redundancy
- 38% Take on Additional Paid Work to Cope with The Cost of Living Crisis
- 31% Experience Bullying or Intimidation by Colleagues
Additionally, lifestyle stressors like poor sleep, declining physical health, and financial worries add to the burnout many Brits face.
Recognising the signs
It’s important to recognise the early signs of burnout to address the issue before it worsens. Common indicators include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Less pride in your work
- Loss of motivation and sight of goals
- Irritability and frustration
- Unexplained headaches or muscle tension
- Fatigue
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
5 Tips for coping with burnout
If you’re experiencing burnout, there are steps you can take to mitigate its effects:
- Take care of your physical needs. Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly can boost your energy levels and help you handle stress better.
- Talk about it. Share your workload concerns with your manager and seek ways to reduce or redistribute tasks. Don’t hesitate to ask loved ones for support, and consider speaking with a counsellor or mental health professional.
- Take a tech break. Dedicate time each day to unplug completely. Turn off your devices and relax or engage in creative activities to recharge.
- Prioritise. Identify the commitments that matter most to you and say “no” to demands that don’t align with them. This frees up time to focus on your top priorities.
- Practise relaxation techniques. Activities like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can reduce stress and promote relaxation.
The role of flexible working arrangements
Working arrangements also play a significant role in burnout experiences. For 25% of Brits working in a traditional office setting, it was a contributing factor to their stress. However, only 16% of home workers and 14% of hybrid workers reported similar feelings. This suggests that flexible work models can help reduce burnout risk compared to fixed-location office work.
Am I burnt out?
Based on search behaviour, London currently has the highest level of burnout sentiment, closely followed by Melbourne and Singapore. Recognising the signs and making lifestyle changes early can prevent burnout from taking a toll on your mental health.
