As 2025 draws to a close, one topic keeps surfacing in HR conversations: burnout. From frontline workers drowning in operational chaos to HR professionals themselves running on empty, workforce exhaustion reached hefty levels this year. The causes were multifaceted, including layoff survivors struggling without adequate support, employees “used up” by day’s end and AI anxiety compounding stress rather than relieving it.
Put another way, many people felt wiped out at work. Career platform Glassdoor even named “fatigue” its word of the year, revealing that mentions of the term surged 41% across the Glassdoor community.
Call it burnout, fatigue or exhaustion, here’s how HR leaders handled this year-framing sentiment.
Frontline workers score better tech
Frontline burnout, turnover and the technology gap HR must address: New research suggests a “frontline-first” approach, leveraging integrated tech systems, can drive engagement and retention among frontline workers, who are craving more support from their employers.
How AI use can help frontline workers beat burnout, according to new UKG research: Despite burnout-busting evidence, anxiety about AI runs high among frontline employees, according to a new report from UKG. Work needs to be done, one leader says, to “explain the ‘why’ behind AI.”
Unexpected burnout consequences
Re-onboarding after layoffs. How HR can retain talent and prevent burnout: Nearly a third of layoff “survivors” report costly mistakes from insufficient training. Structured re-onboarding helps HR realign employees, rebuild confidence and prevent errors
As burnout reaches a new high, will it drive four-day workweek momentum?: Interest in a four-day workweek is growing among employees, who are experiencing stress and burnout at record levels, according to new data from Aflac.
Employee burnout is rising and so are leave requests. What employers should do next: A recent survey showed that almost half of U.S. employees feel burned out and drained, and more than half feel “used up” by workday’s end.
When tech promised relief but delivered anxiety
Ethics, burnout and vendor trust. An honest conversation about AI in HR: AI in HR means putting people first. Three experts shared cross-functional insights at a Global AI Summit and HR Tech Meetup in the Boston area.
Pouring from an ‘empty cup.’ Why HR burnout needs to be a people priority: As stress rises across the workforce, people professionals are on the front lines to support employees, causing HR burnout to balloon. Experts shared strategies for creating more supportive environments for HR professionals.
To boost employee engagement in the age of burnout, focus on skills-building: Investing in employees’ growth is investing in a company’s future, as it can drive employee engagement and other meaningful outcomes.
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