Women working in health, education, and hospitality industries are at the highest risk of burnout, with some experiencing it at nearly twice the rate of their male colleagues, according to new research from Westfield Health. The study found that across all sectors, two in five women in the UK feel burnt out often or all the time, compared to under a third of men.
The highest burnout rates among women were in health and social care (49%), followed by trade, transport and hospitality (48%), and public administration and education (43%). Wellbeing expert Cathy Lawson noted that these roles are physically and emotionally demanding, often with limited flexibility and support.
Lawson highlighted that many women also manage an 'invisible workload' outside work, including caring responsibilities and household management, which widens the burnout gap. She warned that burnout can be hard to identify, as early signs like tiredness and irritability are often dismissed, and physical symptoms may only appear later.
To combat burnout, Lawson recommends checking for Employee Assistance Programmes, which may offer free counselling, and discussing workload adjustments with employers. Prioritising sleep, diet, and exercise is also crucial, as burnout can exacerbate conditions like anxiety.
