Burnout in Government Work Isn’t Personal — It’s Organizational

Is Burnout the Price of Public Service?

Many government leaders have come to view burnout as an unfortunate — yet inevitable — byproduct of public service. Tight budgets, heavy caseloads, shifting policies, and rising demands can create a perfect storm of stress and exhaustion.

But here’s the truth: burnout is not a personal failing. It’s a systemic workplace issue — and one that leaders have the power, and responsibility, to address. According to the 2023 Partnership for Public Service survey, federal employees identified workload as one of the top factors impacting performance and engagement. Many reported feeling overwhelmed by growing responsibilities, limited resources, and staffing shortages.

Fast forward to 2025, and the pressure hasn’t let up. In my conversations with public sector employees — across roles and agencies — one message remains clear: The weight is real, and the toll is mounting. Many leaders recognize the need to address burnout, but they’re overwhelmed themselves. And when leaders are stretched too thin to model balance, teams are left without clear guidance — or even permission — to prioritize their own well-being.

What’s Really Causing Burnout?

In government, burnout often stems from:

• Chronic overwork and understaffing.
• Lack of decision-making authority or support.
• Feeling undervalued or disconnected from leadership.
• Little time or space for recovery or professional growth.

Yes, the work is meaningful — but meaning shouldn’t come at the cost of well-being.

What Can Leaders Do?

1. Stop Normalizing Overwork

Late-night emails and back-to-back meetings aren’t signs of dedication — they’re signals of a culture in crisis. If teams believe exhaustion equals success, burnout becomes inevitable.

• Model work-life balance.
• Celebrate rest as much as results.

Ask: What example am I setting about what success looks like here?

2. Prioritize Smarter, Not Just Pushing Harder

Staffing issues are real, but simply pushing harder won’t fix them. Review outdated processes, remove unnecessary tasks, and ask whether current efforts align with core goals.

Ask: Are we doing what’s essential — or just what we’ve always done?

3. Make Space for Honest Dialogue

Too often, employees don’t feel safe sharing how they’re really doing. Leaders can change that by making well-being check-ins part of the routine.

Ask at meetings: What’s one barrier to getting your work done this week — and how can I help?

4. Invest in Wellness as Strategy

Burnout affects more than morale. According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, job-related stress can increase public employee turnover by nearly 25%. Leaders who champion wellness — through mental health support, development training, and emotionally intelligent leadership — protect both their people and the mission.

Ask: Are we designing work that allows our people to serve well — and stay well?

Final Thought

Leaders must challenge the belief that burnout is “just part of the job.” When they do, they make space for something better: sustainable service, stronger teams, and a workplace where people can thrive—not just survive.

And remember — it all starts with you.

Carolyn Mozell is passionate about leadership and its transformative impact on individuals, teams, and organizations. As the Founder of Leaders Who Connect and Inspire LLC, she empowers nonprofit and government leaders to break down silos, unify teams, and achieve shared goals through impactful training programs and immersive retreats that enhance communication and emotional intelligence skills.

Carolyn has served in some of the highest levels of local government leadership across both the legislative and executive branches, as well as in roles as a nonprofit COO and entrepreneur, making her uniquely qualified to support leaders and teams at all levels, in navigating challenges with clarity, cohesion, and a strong sense of purpose.

Carolyn holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland and is a certified DISC and Emotional Intelligence Practitioner. Outside of work, she enjoys crafting, being a wife and proud pet mom to her adopted cat, Eva.

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay