Burnout Costs Australian Businesses AUD $14 Billion Annually

With 61% of workers facing burnout and billions lost each year, employers are under pressure to deliver meaningful wellbeing support.

Burnout now affects 61% of Australian workers, exceeding global averages. Absenteeism tied to burnout is estimated at nearly AUD $14 billion ($9 billion USD) a year, according to CFO Tech.

Stress Driving Resignations

Around 81% of employees manage stress without employer support. Research links 40% of resignations to prolonged stress or burnout, and more than a quarter leave without another job—creating long-term business and productivity risks.

Impact of Wellbeing Programs

Organizations with structured wellbeing strategies report productivity gains of up to 66%. Mindfulness programs have delivered 28% reductions in stress and 32% productivity increases within six months.

Some businesses report up to AUD $22,000 in annual savings per employee, 30% faster project delivery, and ROI ranging from AUD $4 per dollar invested to returns as high as 800%.

Generational Divide

Burnout hits younger employees hardest: 85% of Gen Z report burnout compared with 70% of Baby Boomers. Expectations are shifting toward workplaces that actively support wellbeing.

Workspaces Built Around Recovery

New membership-based work clubs in Sydney are blending focused work areas with wellness facilities such as yoga, Pilates, saunas, ice baths, and dedicated recovery zones. These environments aim to help executives combine productivity with physical and mental restoration.

Employers that prioritize wellbeing see stronger engagement, higher retention, and more resilient teams. Energy-aware and mindfulness-led leadership models are increasingly associated with the strongest performance outcomes.