New research by Social Market Way sheds light on the pressures affecting workers across the country by revealing the US states with the highest rates of employee burnout in 2024. Using data from Google Trends, Google Keyword Planner and the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the study examined burnout-related search activity, weekly work hours and other factors to rank the burnout score.
States with the highest employee burnout
Wyoming ranked as the state with the highest employee burnout score at 86.29, attributed to higher than average weekly work hours (42.3) and high search activity related to burnout symptoms (6.8 per 100,000).
Vermont followed with a burnout score of 80.42, driven by significant burnout-related searches (7.72 per 100,000), despite a relatively shorter average work week of 37.8 hours. Delaware was third with a score of 64.14, with workers working an average of 40.8 hours per week.
Rhode Island (63.95) and North Dakota (60.08) rounded out the top five states with the highest burnout rates, each experiencing average work hours but high search activity reflecting workplace stress and fatigue.
States With the Lowest Burnout
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Alaska reported the lowest burnout score at 30.04. Workers in Alaska worked an average of just 27.7 hours per week and had average search interest in burnout-related terms (5.45 per 100,000).
New Mexico (34.72), South Carolina (36.59), Arkansas (37.82) and Montana (39.02) also ranked among the states with the lowest burnout rates. These states offer a healthier work-life balance, exhibiting shorter work weeks and lower search activity related to burnout.
The Impact of Burnout on Businesses and Employees
“Burnout doesn’t just affect individual employees; this has significant consequences for business and the economy as a whole,” said Yassin Aberra, CEO of Social Market Way. “Decreased productivity, higher absenteeism and increased turnover are some of the challenges employers face when their workforce is overstretched.”
Aberra emphasized the importance of addressing burnout to improve workplace conditions. “States with high levels of burnout should consider implementing policies that promote work-life balance, such as flexible work arrangements and reasonable work hour limits. “Employers should invest in mental health programs, stress management workshops and burnout prevention training.”
The main results of the study
The study revealed the following insights:
- Exhausted drivers: Long work hours and high search activity associated with burnout were consistent factors in states with higher burnout scores.
- Stress indicators: States with the highest burnout scores, such as Wyoming and Vermont, demonstrated a combination of “job stress” and higher-than-average hours of search interest.
- Healthy practices: States with lower burnout scores maintained shorter work weeks and showed less interest in burnout-related searches, reflecting balanced work conditions.
Tips for reducing burnout
Aberra urged businesses and politicians to prioritize workers’ well-being. “Taking proactive measures means organizations can reduce stress, increase productivity and improve employee retention, ultimately creating a more resilient workforce,” he said.
For states with low burnout rates, maintaining practices that support healthier work environments can ensure continued stability in the workplace.
Photo: Canva