Poor Leadership, Heavy Workloads Top Contributors for Workplace Burnout, New SHRM Research Finds

Alexandria, VA – Today, SHRM – the trusted authority on all things work, workers, and the workplace – launched new research addressing the critical mental health needs of employees worldwide during May Mental Health Awareness Month. This study provides valuable insights into how work environments impact emotional and mental well-being, with nearly a third of U.S. workers saying their job causes high levels of stress.  

Beyond highlighting challenges, this research emphasizes actionable steps organizations can take to create healthier work environments while reducing burnout and improving engagement.

Key Findings Include:

Mental Health Impacts of Work

• 31% of U.S. workers say their job causes frequent stress.
• Younger employees (ages 18-34) are most affected, with 37% reporting they’d take a pay cut for better mental health support at work.

Burnout and Leadership

• Workloads (47%), compensation (42%), and poor leadership (40%) rank among the top drivers of workplace stress.

Preventative Mental Health Measures

• Only 25% of organizations focus more on preventing mental health issues, while 38% focus more on reacting to issues
• HR professionals’ confidence in their organization’s mental health support dipped from 70% in 2024 to 65% in 2025.

Fulfillment as a Retention Factor

• Employees feeling fulfilled by their work cite feeling that their work makes a positive difference (42%), recognition and appreciation for their work (40%), and supportive leadership (38%) as top reasons they are less likely to seek new roles.

Wendi Safstrom, President of the SHRM Foundation, emphasized the importance of addressing these challenges in the workplace, stating, “The findings reveal a critical need for organizations to prioritize mental health support as a fundamental pillar of workplace well-being. Employers have a profound opportunity—and responsibility—to create environments where employees feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. Addressing mental health is not just a wellness initiative; it is a strategic imperative for the future of work.”

What Organizations Can Do:

Based on the findings, SHRM provides a roadmap for employers to address workplace mental health effectively:

• Foster a culture of openness and awareness about mental health. Organizations can normalize conversations, educate employees, and leverage Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).

• Train leaders to identify and mitigate burnout while creating safe, supportive spaces for employees.

• Offer younger workers purpose-driven roles aligned with their values and shared organizational goals.

• Equip HR professionals with the resources and training to manage the unique challenges they face in supporting organizational well-being. 

With these strategies, organizations can address employee stress and retain talent while improving overall productivity.

Methodology

U.S. workers: A sample of 1,193 U.S.-based workers was surveyed on Feb. 7-11, 2025, using a third-party online panel. For the purposes of this study, participants were required to be employed by an organization. Those who were self-employed, retired, or an independent contractor did not qualify. Data is unweighted.

HR professionals: A sample of 2,076 HR professionals was surveyed on Feb. 7-12, 2025, using the SHRM Voice of Work panel. Data is unweighted.

About SHRM

SHRM is a member-driven catalyst for creating better workplaces where people and businesses thrive together. As the trusted authority on all things work, SHRM is the foremost expert, researcher, advocate, and thought leader on issues and innovations impacting today’s evolving workplaces. With nearly 340,000 members in 180 countries, SHRM touches the lives of more than 362 million workers and their families globally. Discover more at SHRM.org.