You know that feeling when your mind says “focus” but your body says “nap”? When you’re doing your best but everything still feels like a drag? That’s not laziness — that’s burnout.
And trust me, it’s not just you.
Let’s look at the bigger picture.
As per a recent Vertex Group survey, over half (52%) of employees across Indian cities are dealing with burnout — thanks to long hours, back-to-back calls, unrealistic timelines, and let’s be honest — some serious lack of boundaries.
In fact, a report by Economic Times said 62% of working professionals in India feel work-related stress, compared to a global average of just 20%.
Translation: We’re overworked and under-recharged.
The problem isn’t the work. It’s how we work.
Burnout doesn’t mean you hate your job. It means you’ve been doing too much, for too long, with too little support.
We’re constantly plugged in replying to emails during lunch, taking calls post 7 PM, and still expected to show up with “positive energy” the next morning. (Spoiler: that’s not energy, it’s autopilot.)
And no, Friday fun games don’t undo chronic stress.
So what happens when we ignore it?
- Your productivity drops.
- You stop enjoying your work.
- You feel mentally and emotionally drained.
- And slowly, your health takes the hit too.
Burnout doesn’t come overnight — it builds up, quietly, until suddenly you’re dreading Mondays and Tuesdays.
So, what can we do about it?
- Set real boundaries: Respect your work hours. And more importantly, your off hours.
- Speak up early: If things are overwhelming, say it. Silence only delays support.
- Support each other: Whether you’re a peer or a manager, be the person who checks in without an agenda.
- Make space for recovery: A tired team isn’t a productive team. It’s just a tired one.
Final thought
Burnout isn’t a badge of honor. It’s a signal- telling us to pause, reset, and rethink how we work.
What do you think?
Seen burnout around you? Been through it yourself?
Let’s talk about it. It’s time we normalized the conversation, not the exhaustion.
Josh Software 