Workplace burnout on the rise in Taiwan, experts say

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Experts in Taiwan are sounding the alarm on workplace burnout, particularly among this year's college graduates, nearly half of whom have already switched jobs.

Tseng Chung-wei (曾仲葳), spokesperson for 1111 Job Bank (1111人力銀行), noted a trend of younger employees reporting lower job satisfaction and achievement. Among this year's graduates, nearly 50% have changed jobs, with 34.4% on their third job, mainly due to a lack of accomplishment.

The World Health Organization (WHO) classified burnout as a serious issue in 2019 by including it in the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11). Tseng highlighted that burnout symptoms include exhaustion, cynicism, and a lack of accomplishment.

Psychiatrist Yang Tsung-tsai (楊聰財) explained that stagnant work progress, long hours, and monotony are key contributors to burnout. Burnout not only affects efficiency but also leads to physical issues such as headaches, insomnia, and muscle pain.

Experts recommend communicating with supervisors or colleagues to identify the root causes of burnout, which can aid in long-term career development. They also suggest finding goals within work, cultivating interests, and considering role or department changes to reduce burnout.

Yang advised that properly scheduling work and rest and breaking tasks into smaller goals can enhance a sense of achievement. As burnout continues to impact the workforce, addressing these factors remains crucial for improving job satisfaction and overall well-being.