• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

Bolt CEO says he let go of his entire HR team for creating problems that didn’t exist: ‘Those problems disappeared when I let them go’: 

2

The Bezos family just donated $100 million to help achieve one of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s top campaign promises

3

Current price of oil as of May 19, 2026

1

Bolt CEO says he let go of his entire HR team for creating problems that didn’t exist: ‘Those problems disappeared when I let them go’: 

2

The Bezos family just donated $100 million to help achieve one of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s top campaign promises

3

Current price of oil as of May 19, 2026
NewslettersFortune CHRO

Workers are so burned out that nearly 20% think of quitting every day

Emma Burleigh
By
Emma Burleigh
Emma Burleigh
Reporter, Success
Down Arrow Button Icon
Emma Burleigh
By
Emma Burleigh
Emma Burleigh
Reporter, Success
Down Arrow Button Icon
May 6, 2024, 8:13 AM ET
Worker is stressed.
Workers are so exhausted about 20% think about quitting their jobs daily. Getty Images

Good morning!

Recommended Video

Workers are burned out. Stretched thin with increased expectations, and often saddled with more work due to layoffs, employees are being forced to do more with less and sacrifice their work-life balance in the process. But bosses beware: The business gains might not be worth it if your labor force is ready to get up and leave. 

About 20% of U.S. workers have daily thoughts about quitting their jobs, according to a new report from MyPerfectResume, a career services platform. Around 19% think about their exit weekly, and 22% think about leaving their roles a few times a month. And many are channeling those feelings into action—about 90% of workers have “rage applied” to open positions at least once in the last six months. 

Keith Spencer, a career expert for MyPerfectResume, tells Fortune that’s a clear consequence of burnout. “They potentially view either their role or company as the issue,” he says. “Changing companies, changing careers entirely, seems to be viewed as the solution to that burnout.”

Exhaustion runs deep among U.S. workers—about 88% feel burned out at work, according to the report. That takes a toll on employee physical and mental well-being, as about 32% of those surveyed say they have anxiety and stress, 30% report frequent headaches, and 23% deal with disturbed sleep. 

Burnout undoubtedly harms workers’ wellness, but it can also lead to negative consequences for company culture. About 87% of workers surveyed said they’ve had an outburst at work in the last six months, with over half of that group having acted out multiple times, according to the report. That includes yelling at colleagues, leaving work early, threatening to quit, cursing in anger, storming out of a meeting, or shouting at their bosses. When burnout and pressure builds up, outbursts ensue, and most employees are left regretting their workplace blowups. 

“Outbursts do not foster a happy and healthy work environment,” says Spencer. “Employees who are feeling that burnout and having these outbursts create a tense environment, which would likely lead to a decrease in collaboration. If you’re constantly feeling frustrated and angry with your manager, team, or just your job in general, you’re going to be less likely to want to work cohesively.”

Spencer says the best path forward for employees struggling with burnout is to consult mental health professionals. When it comes to employers, he says they should listen to their workforce and strategize ways to reduce stress. 

Around 27% of workers experiencing burnout said earning more money would help mitigate their exhaustion, according to the report. Around 22% said the same about having more clarity on their job role, 21% said better schedule flexibility would help, and 20% said the key was fewer responsibilities. 

“Companies should pursue pulse surveys to see how people are feeling, and what would make their work life better,” he says. “If people are feeling underappreciated, they’re going to be more susceptible to the impact of burnout. So a great way to show that you appreciate your workforce is to adjust salaries. But simple things like providing more role clarity is something nearly every employer can do.”

Emma Burleigh
emma.burleigh@fortune.com

Around the Table

A round-up of the most important HR headlines.

Dairy workers have been advised to wear protective gear at work that will shield them from the bird flu as the disease spreads to cattle across several U.S. states. Bloomberg

Google employees haven’t been outspoken about the company’s antitrust trial, as workers have grown used to the tech giant constantly struggling with regulatory issues. New York Times

Worker job satisfaction has increased according to one survey, but that doesn't mean everyone's happy, and there's a widening divide between men and women. Wall Street Journal

Watercooler

Everything you need to know from Fortune.

Grinding. Workers are increasingly starting work earlier than 9 a.m., and toiling past 5 p.m., as office days are now longer than pre-pandemic times. —Orianna Rosa Royle

Adult homework. More companies are prioritizing AI upskilling among workers, offering trainings and coursework to keep employees up to date on emerging technologies. —John Kell

Hiring culture. Job seekers are having a tough time finding work—many complain of being “ghosted” by recruiters, receiving unsatisfactory offers, and being asked discriminatory questions. —Jane Thier

This is the web version of CHRO Daily, a newsletter focusing on helping HR executives navigate the needs of the workplace. Sign up to get it delivered free to your inbox.

About the Author
Emma Burleigh
By Emma BurleighReporter, Success

Emma Burleigh is a reporter at Fortune, covering success, careers, entrepreneurship, and personal finance. Before joining the Success desk, she co-authored Fortune’s CHRO Daily newsletter, extensively covering the workplace and the future of jobs. Emma has also written for publications including the Observer and The China Project, publishing long-form stories on culture, entertainment, and geopolitics. She has a joint-master’s degree from New York University in Global Journalism and East Asian Studies.

See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon

Latest in Newsletters

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in Newsletters

U.S. President Donald Trump speaking at a podium flanked by signs that say "Winning the AI Race."
NewslettersEye on AI
The times they are a-changin’: Washington suddenly warms to regulating AI
By Jeremy KahnMay 19, 2026
13 hours ago
How Coach earned 800,000 new Gen Z customers and became responsible for 89% of sales at Tapestry
NewslettersMPW Daily
How Coach earned 800,000 new Gen Z customers and became responsible for 89% of sales at Tapestry
By Emma HinchliffeMay 19, 2026
16 hours ago
Professional businesswoman working at a desk while interacting with an AI assistant on a tablet screen. The scene shows a modern office environment with notebook, laptop, and digital tools, representing productivity, smart technology, and digital transformation in business. Ideal for concepts related to artificial intelligence, remote work, automation, business innovation, and modern office lifestyle.
NewslettersCFO Daily
CFOs could cut agentic AI costs up to 60% by fixing this overlooked data problem
By Sheryl EstradaMay 19, 2026
19 hours ago
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in Oakland, California, on May 12, 2026. (Photo: Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images)
NewslettersFortune Tech
Musk v. Altman: That’s all, folks
By Andrew NuscaMay 19, 2026
21 hours ago
ESG may be fading—but moral leadership isn’t
NewslettersCEO Daily
ESG may be fading—but moral leadership isn’t
By Diane BradyMay 19, 2026
22 hours ago
Women’s representation on boards of directors falls below 30%—but there’s one bright spot
NewslettersMPW Daily
Women’s representation on boards of directors falls below 30%—but there’s one bright spot
By Emma HinchliffeMay 18, 2026
2 days ago

Most Popular

Bolt CEO says he let go of his entire HR team for creating problems that didn’t exist: ‘Those problems disappeared when I let them go’: 
Workplace Culture
Bolt CEO says he let go of his entire HR team for creating problems that didn’t exist: ‘Those problems disappeared when I let them go’: 
By Preston ForeMay 19, 2026
10 hours ago
The Bezos family just donated $100 million to help achieve one of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s top campaign promises
Politics
The Bezos family just donated $100 million to help achieve one of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s top campaign promises
By Jake AngeloMay 12, 2026
7 days ago
Current price of oil as of May 19, 2026
Personal Finance
Current price of oil as of May 19, 2026
By Joseph HostetlerMay 19, 2026
18 hours ago
Employers are quietly pausing 401(k) matches again. The last time this happened was the 2008 recession and Covid
Personal Finance
Employers are quietly pausing 401(k) matches again. The last time this happened was the 2008 recession and Covid
By Courtney Vinopal and HR BrewMay 18, 2026
1 day ago
While Trump insisted the Iran war would end ‘soon,’ an account in his name was buying millions in oil, defense, and gold
Economy
While Trump insisted the Iran war would end ‘soon,’ an account in his name was buying millions in oil, defense, and gold
By Eva RoytburgMay 18, 2026
2 days ago
Current price of silver as of Monday, May 18, 2026
Personal Finance
Current price of silver as of Monday, May 18, 2026
By Joseph HostetlerMay 18, 2026
2 days ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.