Originally published: News.com.au, 27 July 2025
Almost half of Aussies have chucked a sickie for a specific reason as the country’s burnout crisis seemingly worsens.
An extra day off could help with Australia’s burnout crisis as new research reveals almost half of Aussies have taken a “wellness sickie” to combat the issue.
Burnout is not a virus or a bacterial infection, but something equally insidious and potentially just as devastating.
Simply, burnout is a state of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion.
The World Health Organisation describes it as phenomenon that arises from chronic workplace stress that leaves people feeling exhausted and completely depleted of energy, which can lead to depression and anxiety.
According to Mental Health Australia, an alarming 61 per cent reported experiencing burnout in 2023, compared to the global average of 48 per cent with the statistics revealing Aussies to have the highest burnout rates in the world.
In fact, Mudgee Region Tourism today revealed almost half (47 per cent) of Aussies have taken sick leave for a personal break or getaway at least once.
As such, 72 per cent want more public holidays as one way to help combat the issue.
The organisation partnered with Pureprofile to conduct the research in June 2025, surveying more than 1000 Australians.
