The biggest challenge of burnout for women in the workplace is that because women are socialized to believe that our worth and value depend on constantly giving to others (not surprisingly, also the CAUSE of burnout!), when we hit burnout, we think it's our fault. "Why can't I do as much as others are doing?" "What's wrong with me?" And because we blame ourselves (instead of the systemic structures resulting in our burnout!), we think the solution is individual, too: work harder! Just keep pushing! Which only gets us deeper into burnout, until eventually we literally CAN'T do anymore and either turn to unhealthy coping strategies, become resentful and put as little effort as possible into our work, or leave the workplace entirely. Which not only negatively impacts workplaces, as they diminish or lose key employee engagement, but impacts women's health, well-being and the communities around them. So while the true solution to burnout must be systemic (changing "productivity culture" norms around work requirements and expectations), women also need to be supported in understanding that burnout is not an individual problem and therefore is not a personal failing. Only when we can change the narrative around worth and separate our value from our productivity can women more successfully operate in workplace cultures that are designed in ways that ensure burnout is not just a possibility, but nearly a certainty.
Doctor of East Asian Medicine & Licensed Acupuncturist at Empowered You Acupuncture
Answered 4 months ago
"Most people think of burnout as mental exhaustion, but it can also cause very real digestive problems. Chronic stress disrupts the gut-brain axis, throwing off healthy bacteria, weakening the gut barrier, and fueling inflammation. For women, this impact is especially significant: they are two to three times more likely to develop irritable bowel syndrome, a condition marked by pain, bloating, and unpredictable bowel habits. Burnout can trap women in a cycle of fatigue, gut symptoms, and anxiety that magnifies the cost of workplace stress. As a gut health specialist who works with women facing IBS, I see these patterns in practice every day."
One of the most damaging ways burnout affects women in the workplace is through its impact on confidence and career progression. Throughout my career, I have seen exceptionally talented women doubt their skills or hold themselves back because they are exhausted. This has the potential to create a dangerous spiral, where the burnout not only drains energy but slowly chips away at self-belief, compounding the negative impact. This is heightened because women typically balance multiple responsibilities both inside and outside of work, often pushing themselves to their limits, and eventually to the point of withdrawal. It takes a conscious effort by the organizational culture, and specifically the top leadership, to give women the space and flexibility to look after themselves, which is why having more women leaders is crucial to deal with burnout at the workplace effectively.
One important way burnout affects women is its impact on reproductive health. Prolonged burnout causes chronic stress in the body, which disrupts hormonal balance and is detrimental for women trying to conceive. This is significant because most women of working age are also in their reproductive phase, and beyond its direct effect on hormones, burnout can lead to inadequate sexual activity. The WHO recommends sexual activity on at least three different days of the week for infertile couples. For women experiencing workplace burnout, maintaining this schedule can be challenging.
Once the glass ceiling was shattered, think the mid-80s or so, women embraced meritocracy and proved to the world what they are capable of. With agency, they climbed the corporate hierarchy and not only met their male peers but often surpassed them. However, this can manifest in stress and anxiety, and even the ambitious need to take some time for self-care. While competition is great, so are decompressing and introspection.
For me, when I'm in burnout mode, I tend to neglect myself and the power of being in the present moment. If i don't tend to myself, I'm no good to anyone else. So being intentional about taking time to work on breathing, stretching and "me time" allows me the opportunity to reset.