Burn-out complaints when pressure is high and social support low

More than 1 in 8 employees had burn-out complaints in 2011. These complaints are relatively common among employees who work under pressure and employees who have little social support from colleagues and management. Employees with a partner and children have fewer burn-out complaints than other employees.

Over 900 thousand employees with burn-out complaints

In 2011 13 percent of the employees indicated they had burn-out complaints. This means over 900 thousand people given the total of more than 7 million employees in the Netherlands. The complaints include fatigue and emotional exhaustion. In 2008 the share of employees with burn-out complaints rose, but has stabilised ever since.

Employees with burn-out complaints

Burn-out complaints more common when pressure at work is high

Some 4 in 10 employees experience high pressure at work, of whom 22 percent have burn-out complaints. This is 7 percent among employees with low pressure at work. The amount of control people have over their work also plays a role, but not as great as pressure at work. 16 percent of the people with little control over their work experience burn-out complaints compared to 10 percent of employees with much control.

Good social climate linked to fewer burn-out complaints

Some employees feel they get little support from colleagues and management, for instance in getting the work done. Among them 37 percent have burn-out complaints. This is only 11 percent among employees who feel more supported. The share of employees experiencing little social support is low though, about 8 percent.

Employees with burn-out complaints by work characteristics, 2011

Fewer burn-out complaints from employees with a partner and children

Some 1 in 9 employees with a partner and children experienced burn-out complaints. This is low compared to other employees.  1 in 6 single employees had burn-out complaints, while 1 in 7 single parent employees did. This is about the same as employees with a partner and without children.

Employees with burn-out complaints by household composition, 2011

 Harry Bierings and Martine Mol