Urgent Call for Employers to Address Burnout Risks and Foster Supportive Cultures
Melbourne, Australia, 9th May, 2025: Stress continues to plague Australian workers, with more than half (55%) feeling rattled and nearly a quarter (23%) reporting being overloaded at work, according to insights from ADP’s People at Work 2025 Report Series.
The research reveals that Australian employees (23%) experience higher workplace pressure compared to their counterparts in Japan (19%), Singapore (15%), India (11%) and China (10%)—making them among the most overburdened workers in the Asia-Pacific region.
The strain is further intensified by growing workplace scrutiny, with 31% of Australians feeling judged by colleagues for taking advantage of flexible working arrangements.
Additionally, a third of workers (33%) report being monitored by their managers. Almost one in three (32%) Australian workers report high or moderate stress levels in their roles.
Kylie Baullo, General Manager for Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, warns that mounting pressure could lead to a talent exodus. “Stress and scrutiny are creating a perfect storm. Overburdened employees are less productive, and without intervention, businesses risk facing a wave of ‘revenge quitting'—where frustration prompts abrupt resignations.
“Employers must act now — shifting from temporary fixes to proactive strategies: rebalancing workloads, normalising conversations about mental health, and measuring success by outcomes rather than hours logged. Equipping employees with the right tools, such as automation, can help reduce administrative tasks and lighten their workload."
For deeper insights into employees’ attitudes towards work and the future of the workplace, please read the “People at Work 2025” report series.
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