Working in government can be intense. Unfortunately, a lot of public servants face burnout.

We wanted to get to the bottom of why this is the case, so we posed a question to the Apolitical community: Why is burnout such a big problem in government right now?

Here’s what the community had to say

“Existing staff have to do two jobs” – Max

Recruitment freezes mean that vacancies are left vacant and staff are taking up additional roles. Meanwhile, senior leaders are happily making savings on their budgets, but they're not willing to cut back on any work.


“There is no concern for the wellbeing of the person” – Carleen

Government is always looking to cut budgets, often sacrificing human resources in the process. This leaves one person taking on the workload of two or three people, with no regard for their wellbeing. People are coming in early, skipping lunch or eating at their desk and then leaving work late to ensure their department’s targets are met. This selflessness leads to burnout while leaders are praised for saving government expenditures.


“Their profession ceases to be a source of joy” – Christodoulos

The consequences of burnout affect the individual, the public sector, the economy and production. The past decade has led to hiring freezes and cutbacks. As a result, people who work in the public sector often feel frustration, mental fatigue, emotional exhaustion and low job satisfaction. Their profession ceases to be a source of joy, creation, action and development of their personal skills, but it is a place to express their indifference, their coldness and the standard performance of their duty, often reaching the manifestation of negative feeling towards citizens, their colleagues, but also to themselves.


“I need to have a complete contrast in brain function” – Andrea

Finding interest in other areas can help to counteract burnout. Take gardening for example; staying active outside of work, seeing growth, renewal and fresh bulbs can be refreshing and grounding – just what you need.


“I have witnessed friends and colleagues burn out in nursing, social work and teaching” – Hayley

It's important to frame these kinds of questions carefully and be specific. Arguably, burnout is more visible in frontline public sector workers such as nurses, social workers and teachers compared to office-based workers. Of course, experiences vary.


“Public servants don't tango enough!” – Elizabeth

People who perform at high levels without burning out, have an “opposite world” outside of work – an activity or hobby that puts them into a state which is the direct opposite of the mindset they have at work. "For two hours in the evening I dance, I am in my heart, I move my body, I am absorbed. My brain disengages, rests and recovers. The next day at work, I feel recharged.”

Read more in this article that Elizabeth referenced.

What do you think contributes to burnout in government? Join the discussion below.