Burnout in South African Women

Around 40% of South African women experience workplace burnout.

Key Statistics & Trends

- Data from Lyra Southern Africa shows women account for roughly 65% of all employee wellness programme mental health cases.

- Women aged 18 to 25 report the highest burnout rates, reaching 56% locally.

- Female executives report significantly higher burnout levels (43%) than their male counterparts (31%).

- About 43% of South African women describe their mental health as poor or extremely poor.

Main Drivers

- Women carry professional responsibilities, with the disproportionate burden of household management and caregiving (the “mental load”).

- Local systemic issues (high unemployment, infrastructural challenges like loadshedding, and economic instability), intensify daily stress.

- Nearly 60% of women in hybrid work arrangements report feelings of exclusion.

- The unemployment strain carries intense financial impact (37.5% of women are unemployment compared to 30.3% of men).

Corporate Stress & Burnout Rates

- 51% state that their stress levels are higher than they were a year ago.

- 43% describe their current mental health status as “poor or extremely poor”.

- 44% of women report feeling constantly “overwhelmed” by the weight of balancing their dual personal and professional roles.

Individual Management & Recovery Strategies

If you are currently experiencing the severe physical and emotional exhaustion of burnout, recovery requires moving away from the chronic “fight or flight” stress response:

1. Acknowledge and validate

2. Establish rigid non-work boundaries

3. Aggressively protect sleep quality

4. Practice the ABC framework - Awareness, Balance and Commitment.

Get Help

• 24-Hour Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0800 567 567.

• 24-Hour Mental Health Helpline: 0800 456 789.

• Healthcare Workers Care Network Helpline: 0800 21 21 21 (Specifically for medical professionals).

• SADAG Office Line / Referral Support: 011 234 4837 (Open 7 days a week, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM).

• Cipla WhatsApp Chat Line: 076 882 2775 (Available 7 days a week from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM).

• Visit www.sanalifestyle.co.za or DM us to access our Practitioner Network.