Burnout Crisis Deepens for Teachers, Doctors, and Managers Post-Pandemic

Professionals in teaching, medicine, and management face the highest risk of burnout. These jobs involve constant interaction with people, long hours, and little time for recovery. Recent studies show the problem has worsened, particularly since the pandemic. Teachers and medical workers are now among the most affected by burnout. In Germany, the situation for educators has steadily declined over the last two decades. Stress levels have risen, with around 38,000 teachers leaving the profession each year—many before retirement. Experts predict a shortage of over 100,000 teachers by 2035.

The main causes include heavy workloads, excessive administrative tasks, and poor work-life balance. Schools often lack resources to support students with varying needs, forcing teachers to work alone. Organisational weaknesses and isolation in the workplace add to the strain. For office workers, long stretches without breaks increase the risk of depression. Mental labour, especially when combined with weekend computer use, worsens the problem. Those in constant contact with others—like doctors and teachers—are particularly vulnerable to depressive disorders. Schoolteachers face the highest rates of depression among educators. The job has grown harder due to the increasing complexity of children's needs. Without proper rest or support, many struggle to cope.

Burnout continues to push professionals out of high-stress fields. Without changes to workloads, resources, and work-life balance, the trend is likely to persist. The shortage of teachers and medical staff could deepen if conditions do not improve.