BURNOUT
The World Health Organization defines burnout in ICD-11 as follows: “Burn-out is a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is characterized by three dimensions: feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion; increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job; and reduced professional efficacy. Burn-out refers specifically to phenomena in the occupational context and should not be applied to describe experiences in other areas of life.”
WHAT IS IT?
Burnout often affects individuals who were previously highly motivated but have become overwhelmed.
Burnout is distinct from depression, though severe burnout can increase the risk of depression.
Burnout is often linked to long-term stress, especially from work, but we believe it can affect all parts of your life, not just your job.
What is the 42% rule for burnout? The 42% rule is a concept based on research that suggests high performers should be spending at least 42% of their time resting or recovering. That includes sleep, low-effort movement, breaks, play, creative downtime, and true rest.
Awareness, Prevention and Support
Burnout can affect anyone, this part of our initiative helps you:
• recognize the signs,
• understand what causes exhaustion,
• find gentle ways to restore your energy and motivation,
• seek support
• connect with others through our CHAT
Around 1 in 5 employees in the Netherlands experiences burnout-related symptoms, highlighting the growing importance of mental health and sustainable working conditions.
DID YOU KNOW?
National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) presents recent data from the Statistics Netherlands (CBS) and the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research ( TNO) with show that burnout remains a significant issue in the Dutch workforce.
In 2024, 20.1% of employees aged 15 to 74 reported burnout complaints. Among the self-employed, 11.8% reported burnout symptoms in 2025. These figures come from the National Working Conditions Survey (NEA) and the Self-Employed Working Conditions Survey (ZEA).
Within these surveys, burnout complaints are defined as work-related psychological fatigue, referring to ongoing mental exhaustion caused by work.
People with stressful jobs are much more likely to say that workplace stress-relief measures don’t do enough. Almost half of them feel the current support isn’t enough, and 22% say there’s no help available at all. By comparison, among all workers,28% think the support isn’t good enough, and only 10% say there’s none.
The Outlook for the next 5 years( 2024) according to CBS shows many workers, especially those in stressful jobs, expect to feel less satisfied with their work.
Overall, the future looks tougher, with more pressure and less happiness at work, especially for those who are already feeling stressed.
Types of Burnout Women May Experience:
Job Burnout
High-pressure work environments that never seem to ease up
Vague or unclear job expectations
Difficulty balancing work and personal life
Little control over how tasks and workloads are managed
Lack of recognition for hard work and contributions
Chronic job burnout can significantly affect both personal well-being and overall productivity.
Parental Burnout
Constant caregiving responsibilities
Limited personal time
Sleep deprivation
Social isolation
Pressure to meet perfectionist parenting standards
Parental burnout occurs when constant caregiving, lack of personal time, and sleep loss leave women feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and emotionally drained.
Neurodivergent Burnout
Managing sensory overload and social expectations
Constantly masking or adapting to fit in
Feeling mentally and emotionally drained
Difficulty coping with daily demands
Increased stress from environments not built for your needs
Neurodivergent burnout happens when the effort to navigate a world not designed for your brain leads to extreme fatigue, overwhelm, and reduced day-to-day functioning.
Perimenopause Burnout
Hormonal changes affecting mood and energy
Sleep disturbances and fatigue
Increased stress sensitivity
Emotional ups and downs that impact daily life
Feeling overwhelmed even by routine tasks
Perimenopause burnout is a deep tiredness that affects both body and emotions. Hormonal changes (especially in estrogen and progesterone) can make everyday life feel much harder, leaving women emotionally and physically drained.
SYMPTOMS
Burnout develops gradually. Early signs often include reduced creativity, high irritability, and using alcohol or unhealthy habits to cope. A key indicator is feeling that you are no longer in control of your life or unable to cope with daily tasks.
Body Signals
Feeling constantly tired or worn out
Trouble sleeping or frequent insomnia
Regular headaches
Muscle or joint pain
Stomach issues, nausea, or loss of appetite
Getting sick more often due to a weaker immune system
High blood pressure
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Mind & Mood Signs
Feeling stuck, helpless, or defeated
Self-doubt or feeling like a failure
Feeling lonely or disconnected from others
Feeling overwhelmed by daily life
Loss of motivation or negative outlook
Feeling unsatisfied or that achievements don’t matter
Losing interest or joy in activities
Persistent worry, anxiety, or dread
Behavior & Daily Life Changes
Putting things off or struggling to finish tasks
Difficulty focusing or concentrating
Lower productivity at work or home
Withdrawing from people or responsibilities
Relying on food, alcohol, or drugs to cope
Becoming irritable, quick to anger, or snapping at others
Being late to work more often or taking more sick days
If you feel these symptoms, it is important to take them seriously by prioritizing rest, setting boundaries, and seeking support from a professional.
Burnout doesn’t always look the same, but many women recognize themselves in a combination of these experiences:
Work-related stressors
You might relate to this if:
You’re carrying a heavy workload or working long hours
You feel stuck, with limited opportunities to grow or move forward
You’ve experienced unfair treatment, bias, or unequal pay
You have little flexibility in how or when you work
You feel overlooked or underappreciated
Societal pressures
You might feel this if:
You feel expected to “do it all” and hold everything together
You feel pressure to meet unrealistic standards (at work, at home, or in how you look)
You’re always available to others, with little time to switch off
You carry most of the responsibility at home
You’re the main caregiver for children, parents, or others
Personality traits and tendencies
This may resonate if you:
Set very high standards for yourself
Find it hard to delegate or ask for help
Feel driven to achieve, even at the cost of your own wellbeing
Compare yourself to others or feel pressure to keep up
Live with a constant sense of urgency
IS THIS YOU?
Neurodivergent burnout
If you’re neurodivergent, you might also notice:
You feel exhausted from masking or trying to fit in
Busy or unpredictable environments quickly overwhelm you
Planning, organizing, or staying on top of tasks feels draining
Social interactions leave you depleted
You often feel misunderstood or unsupported
Hormonal changes and perimenopause
If you’re in perimenopause, you may experience:
Feeling unusually tired, low, irritable, or forgetful (“brain fog”)
Rest not making you feel restored
Sudden shifts in mood, energy, or motivation
Poor sleep due to night sweats or hot flashes
Feeling more overwhelmed by stress than before
The weight of balancing work, family, and caregiving
These changes are linked to shifting hormone levels, which can affect how your brain regulates mood, energy, and stress. If you’re feeling this way, it doesn’t mean you’re not coping well. It means your body and mind are going through a lot.
Gaps in support
You may also be lacking the support you need if:
You have limited access to mental health care or support services
Childcare or practical help is hard to find
Responsibilities feel uneven in your relationship
You feel isolated or disconnected from others
Financial pressure makes it harder to rest or take care of yourself
If you’re nodding along to several of these, you’re not alone and this is not your fault.
Burnout can build up slowly when too many demands and too little support come together. Recognizing it is an important first step toward feeling better and seeking support.
Support for Burnout
Burnout can be overwhelming, but a range of support options can help you recover and regain balance.
Professional Support
A GP can assess your symptoms and refer you to mental health professionals. Therapies such as CBT and ACT can help you manage stress, shift unhelpful thinking patterns, and reconnect with what matters to you.
Many workplaces also offer confidential counselling through Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs).
Workplace Adjustments
Speaking with your manager or HR can help create a more manageable workload.
Setting boundaries, adjusting responsibilities, or taking time off can provide space to recover.
CHAT TO YOUR GP
Self-Care and Lifestyle
Prioritising sleep, staying physically active, practising relaxation techniques, and maintaining balanced nutrition can all support recovery and reduce stress.
Social Support
Connecting with friends, family, or peer support groups can reduce feelings of isolation and provide emotional support.
Resources and Tools
Crisis helplines, self-assessment tools, and wellbeing apps can offer additional support when needed.
