ALWAYS "ON" EMPLOYEES AND BURNOUT: A DEEP DIVE INTO TODAY'S WORKPLACE CRISIS

The modern workplace has morphed into a relentless machine, with employees tethered to their devices, perpetually reachable, and increasingly drained—a phenomenon dubbed the “always on” culture.

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This week, as tech giants like Apple roll out spring accessories and Uber launches driverless rides in Austin, a quieter but no less pressing story unfolds: burnout among workers who can’t unplug is surging, reshaping discussions about mental health and productivity. Recent publications from McKinsey, SHRM, and the American Psychological Association, alongside chatter on X, paint a vivid picture of this crisis, spotlighting how constant connectivity fuels exhaustion and what leaders might do to stem the tide.

Burnout isn't new—its roots stretch back to the 1970s—but its modern flavor, turbocharged by smartphones and remote work, feels uniquely pervasive. McKinsey reported last year that one in four employees globally experiences burnout symptoms, a figure echoed in SHRM's 2024 research showing 44% of U.S. workers feeling burned out. The “always on” mindset—where emails ping at midnight and Slack buzzes on weekends—has turned work into a 24/7 affair, blurring lines between professional and personal life. For the 80% of U.S. adults with smartphones (Pew Research, 2023), this isn't just a trend; it's a lived reality.

What's driving this burnout boom, how are experts dissecting it, and what can be done? Here's a comprehensive look at the latest insights, grounded in this week's freshest takes.

THE “ALWAYS ON” TRAP: WHY IT'S WORSE NOW