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Something Happening 8 CHAPTER 7 : Burnout and the Modern Work Culture
In today's fast-paced, hyper-connected society, burnout has emerged as a defining affliction of modern work culture. Once reserved for those in high-stakes professions like healthcare or emergency services, burnout is now widespread across all industries—from tech and finance to education and the creative arts. The relentless drive for productivity, the blurring boundaries between work and personal life, and the glorification of hustle culture have converged to create an environment where exhaustion is the norm rather than the exception.
Burnout is more than mere tiredness; it is a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion, often accompanied by cynicism, reduced performance, and a sense of detachment from one’s job. The World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognized burnout as an “occupational phenomenon” in 2019, highlighting its growing prevalence and serious implications for individual and organizational well-being.
One of the primary drivers of burnout in modern work culture is the "always-on" mentality. Digital tools and remote work, while offering flexibility, have made it increasingly difficult to disconnect. Employees find themselves responding to emails late at night, attending meetings across time zones, and feeling pressured to be constantly available. This lack of…
