The Growing Crisis of Burnout in the Federal Workforce.
Burnout among U.S. federal workers has reached alarming levels, with 41% reporting feelings of exhaustion and disengagement in 2024.
This phenomenon is not just a personal struggle for employees but a systemic issue that undermines productivity, innovation, and retention in federal agencies.
After spending a decade in the U.S. federal government workforce myself, I know about this personally. It was unbearable, so much so that eventually I resigned as a GS13 - that's a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army.
Understanding the root causes of burnout and implementing strategies to prevent it are critical to maintaining a healthy and effective workforce otherwise you will end up with individuals who can't catch up to the changes taking place around them, if they stick around, or they leave for something better.
The Root Causes of Burnout Among Federal Workers
1. Unmanageable Workloads
The primary driver of burnout is excessive workload, cited by 48% of federal employees according to a research report. Staff shortages exacerbate this issue, with 85% of workers reporting they must cover for unfilled positions, leading to longer hours and increased stress. For example, employees in the Department of Veterans Affairs, the largest federal employer, often face overwhelming caseloads due to understaffing.
