Infographic
Understanding government employee burnout
August 2023
Addressing government employees’ burnout can help keep workers committed and feel appreciated for their work. So, what’s driving burnout and how can agency leadership alleviate it? Read on for Eagle Hill Consulting’s insights and ideas to help reduce government employee burnout.
Eagle Hill Consulting’s latest Government Employee Burnout Survey reveals that nearly half of the government workforce (47%) is burnt out. Government employee burnout remains alarmingly high, despite trending downward since this time last year.
When asked about the causes of their burnout, the majority of government employees cite workload and staff shortages.
Government Employee Burnout Survey
Eagle Hill Consulting regularly surveys U.S. government employees (federal, state, and local) on the topic of employee burnout. Our ongoing research provides agency leadership with insights into the drivers, organizational impacts, and remedies for government employee burnout.
Government employee burnout rates remain high
Government employee burnout trend
Source: Eagle Hill Consulting Workforce Burnout Survey
Burnout levels for government employees vary by gender and generation.
Burnout reported by gender
Burnout reported by generation
Percent of employees reporting burnout at work
Source: Eagle Hill Consulting Workforce Burnout Survey
When asked about the causes of their burnout, over half of government employees say their workload and staffing shortages are the biggest drivers.
Top 5 causes of government employee burnout
53%
Workload
53%
Staff shortages
47%
Lack of communication
and support
44%
Work-life balance
38%
Time pressures
Percent of government employees who attribute their burnout to the above causes
Source: Eagle Hill Consulting Workforce Burnout Survey
Guidance for agencies on how to reduce government employee burnout
Government employees share insights on steps their agencies can take to alleviate burnout, from increasing flexibility to adjusting workload.
Remedies for burnout
70%
Increase flexibility of working hours or days
69%
Decreased workload
67%
A four-day workweek
61%
Reduce administrative burden
60%
Continue working from home or working from home more
55%
Better health and wellness benefits
50%
More on-site amenities at your physical workplace
42%
Ability to relocate to a new location or work from multiple locations
Percent of government employees who say the ideas above would reduce their burnout
Source: Eagle Hill Consulting Workforce Burnout Survey
Discussing causes and solutions is essential to extinguishing burnout – and government employees are open to having those conversations with their leadership.
Are you comfortable talking to your manager or employer about your burnout?
65%
of burnt-out government
employees say “yes”
Source: Eagle Hill Consulting Workforce Burnout Survey
Related services and insights
TalentBuilding up from burnout: How government agencies can creatively adapt amid the Great Resignation
One area to closely monitor will be the shift to more in-person work. Our research indicates that government employees value in-person work, but they also want flexibility to help alleviate stress. Finding the right balance will be increasingly important for managers and leaders.”
— Melissa Jezior, Eagle Hill Consulting President and Chief Executive Officer
Methodology
The findings are from the ongoing Eagle Hill Consulting Workforce Burnout Surveys conducted by Ipsos, most recently in August 2023. The survey included 1,347 respondents from a random sample of employees across the U.S. including 555 federal, state, and local government workers.
