The term “burnout” has become common in recent years, reflecting how many people feel drained by work, stress, and life. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines burnout as a syndrome caused by chronic workplace stress and, in 2019, recognized it as an occupational phenomenon.

A new study from the University of New Mexico’s Anderson School of Management finds that getting help at work reduces exhaustion.

Getting help

Researchers surveyed 268 full-time employees from various industries, with about half in managerial roles. Participants recalled a time when they received—or did not receive—help at work and rated how much pressure they felt. They also answered questions about exhaustion, such as whether they felt “drained.”

The findings were clear. “Employees who received help felt less exhausted than those who didn’t,” the researchers explain. “Under high pressure, exhaustion was worse, and help was even more valuable.”

The study also found that exhausted employees were less likely to help their colleagues, creating a vicious cycle. “When people don’t get help, they become overwhelmed and stop helping others, who then also feel drained,” the authors note.

A domino effect

This pattern creates a domino effect, where employees work in isolation, support networks break down, and burnout spreads.

How to break the cycle? The researchers offer three recommendations:

• Foster collaboration. Workplaces should encourage teamwork and mutual support, even in remote settings.
• Practice mindfulness. Techniques such as meditation, yoga, or physical activity can help employees manage stress.
• Speak up. Employees should let managers know when they feel overwhelmed. “Supervisors may not realize someone has too much on their plate,” the researchers say.

Burnout thrives in workplaces where employees struggle alone. A culture of support can stop exhaustion from becoming the norm.