How much work is too much work? Understanding Burnout Among Women
Dr. Smrithi D Nayak, Consultant - Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Aster RV Hospital
In today’s fast-paced world, workplace burnout has become a silent struggle for many women. With growing responsibilities both at home and at work, women often find themselves caught between the pressure to perform and the need to care for others. Over time, this constant juggling act takes a toll on their mental and physical health, leaving them feeling drained, unmotivated and emotionally exhausted.
Workplace burnout is not simply a result of being tired after a long workday. It is a more profound form of fatigue that results from stress that has gone unchecked for too long. Many women feel the competing pressure of trying to validate themselves in overwhelmingly male-dominated spaces, in addition to trying to balance demanding jobs with family responsibilities, work-life balance and any other external factors from their demanding jobs. This cumulative pressure can cause a feeling of always being "too stretched thin" — whatever effort you are putting in isn't ever enough.
A key contributing factor to burnout among women is the concept of the "double shift" — the common experience of women managing professional work and domestic work. Even after workdays and office hours, many women hustle to manage chores at home, taking care of children, thinking about emotional labor, etc., in which again takes away from precious "me time" and even recovery from all the workplace stressors.
One key aspect is the culture in the workplace. Some office cultures still endorse the belief that staying late or being under one's desk is direct evidence of commitment. It can be especially difficult for women because they often have competing, personal obligations too. In addition to these challenges women also have gender bias, inequities in pay, and reduced opportunities for growth. These factors can firmly establish a sense of undervaluing perpetually and therefore dissatisfaction.
The toll of feeling like you must continuously 'prove' your worth comes with a slow burn - mental fatigue. Burnout does not develop instantly. It likely develops through signs of poor sleep, irritability or low energy and eventually it may develop into constant fatigue, disinterest or other physical symptoms (headache, back pain, etc.). In addition to these symptoms, many women also experience emotional disconnection or numbness, or a loss of pleasure. Commonly reported health-related signs are mood or concentration issues, forgetfulness or isolating away from co-workers or friends. At the extreme end, burnout can transition into anxiety, depression or health issues (elevated blood pressure, heart issues).
It is crucial to spot these signs as early as possible; ignoring it or simply waiting until they cause issues will just make it worse. The first step towards recovery is acknowledging that burnout is real and not a sign of weakness. It is equally important to take a break, set personal boundaries, and learn to say "no". Many women feel guilty for taking time off or prioritizing themselves, but self-care isn’t selfish — it’s necessary.
Simple things like walk around the block, reading or spending with family and friends as well as doing things you like, hobbies, etc., can make a world of difference for self-care and burnout. Workplace obstacles also play a vital role in preventing burnout. Employers should best support their employees through flexible work hours, mental health clinics, reshaping workplace environments to be more employee focused, and making employees feel heard and valued. Check-in regularly through informal chat, distributing workload fairly and thanking employees for putting in effort are all great ways to build good morale.
Lastly, family and friend support matters too. Rather than one person taking on all the responsibilities at home being mindful of establishing a support system with family or friends either in your home. Communication about mental health should be normalized, not just a "check off the box" approach and talking over it is better than dismissing it altogether. This support, although not perfect, helps women to feel "heard" and supported.
Ultimately, burnout is a reminder that everyone has limits. Women, who often carry the invisible load of multiple roles, need to listen to their bodies and minds before they hit a breaking point. Finding balance, seeking help when needed and letting go of unrealistic expectations can help restore energy, confidence and happiness — turning the chaos of everyday life into something a little more manageable.
