Burnout. We’ve heard about it and we’ve felt it, but who experiences it the most?
A new study is uncovering industries and companies in America where people are struggling with more just than a case of the Mondays. To do this, researchers collected Glassdoor reviews from more than 500 of the largest companies in the U.S.
Companies where workers complain most about burnout
“Is it the weekend yet?” “Do we really need to clock in over 50 hours every week?” If your coworkers are spouting phrases like these on a daily basis, you’re likely no stranger to workplace burnout. According to our study, certain companies seem to be hotbeds of burnout blues.
Progressive has the dishonor of having the most employee complaints about burnout, scoring a whopping 98.11 out of 100. Despite boasting a decent 3.8 overall rating on Glassdoor, Progressive takes a hit in the work-life balance department, with a meager 3.5-star rating.
Next in line is Chipotle Mexican Grill. The ever-popular fast-casual chain earned a score of 97.72 out of 100 on the burnout meter. Alarmingly, the term “stressful” popped up all too frequently in the employee reviews of both organizations.
AutoNation, Hertz Global Holdings, and Starbucks are also grappling with high levels of employee burnout, falling in the third, fourth, and fifth places respectively. Despite being in different industries, each company seems to share a common thread — a less-than-stellar rating for work-life balance and senior management on Glassdoor.
AutoNation, the Florida-based automotive retailer, scores a 3.4 overall rating on Glassdoor, but slips to a lowly 2.7 when it comes to balancing work and personal life. Hertz Global Holdings, the rental car powerhouse, paints a similar picture, with burnout scores as high as 82.80 out of 100, and lower ratings for work-life balance and senior management.
Even the store that provides our beloved caffeine kick isn’t exempt from burnout woes. Yes, we’re looking at you, Starbucks. Scoring 81.97 out of 100, the global coffee giant seems to be brewing more than just lattes and frappuccinos, as it grapples with a strong undercurrent of workplace fatigue. While the ratings for senior management and work-life balance are slightly better than its peers, they’re far from spectacular.
Industries where workers complain about burnout
It seems work-related burnout isn’t reserved for just the clock-watching office dwellers. The battle against this is raging across various industries, and some of them might surprise you.
Topping the charts is none other than the restaurant and food service industry, with a whopping burnout score of 98.04 out of 100. The non-stop hustle, coupled with keywords like “stressful” and “long hours,” creates the perfect recipe for workers to feel worn out. Considering the erratic work hours that are par for the course in this industry, employee burnout appears to be an unfortunate part of the daily grind.
The transportation and logistics sector isn’t far behind. Occupying the second slot, this industry delivers a hefty dose of burnout to its employees. The spotlight here is on the lack of career opportunities, making it one of the bottom five destinations for growth seekers. No wonder the highway to this is seemingly well-traveled in this sector.
Cementing its place in the top three burnout zones is the construction, repair, and maintenance services industry, with a burnout score of 80.64 out of 100. Like their restaurant and food service compatriots, workers in construction also echo distress signals with terms like “stressful” and “long hours” cropping up in Glassdoor reviews. Adding to the pile is the word “overwhelming” — a glaring red flag signaling the high-pressure environment in this industry.
In this age of relentless hustle and bustle, burnout isn’t hiding away in the shadows of a few industries — it’s an unwelcome part of the workday for many of us. And while the extent of burnout may paint a concerning picture, it’s important to remember that this isn’t set in stone. Leadership teams across industries can and should cultivate positive work environments, which can help even the most burnt out employees rebound.
How to Overcome Burnout and Thrive?(Opens in a new browser tab)
If you’re an employee facing burnout, know that you don’t have to suffer alone. There are options for managing burnout, from candid conversations with management to push for a better work-life balance, to considering a career shift. At the end of the day, your comfort and happiness should be a priority, so don’t hesitate to explore the path that leads you away from burnout and toward a fulfilling career.