Work Stress and Burnout Among European Managers
In 2025, work-related stress among European managers has reached critical levels, significantly impacting both personal well-being and organizational performance. A survey by Factorial, covering managers from SMEs in Italy, France, Germany, Spain, and Portugal, revealed that 83% of Italian managers experience high levels of stress and anxiety, and two out of three regularly work overtime due to poor internal organization.
(Source: La Repubblica Finanza)
Key Causes of Managerial Stress in Europe
Several critical factors contribute to stress among managers in European companies:
- Excessive workload and lack of adequate delegation
- Time management difficulties due to high multitasking demands
- Shortage of skilled staff and over-reliance on existing personnel
- Unclear performance expectations and inefficient internal communication
- Constant pressure to deliver results quickly
- Bureaucratic inefficiencies and slow approval processes
(Source: Everything DISC)
The Consequences of Manager Burnout
Burnout among managers not only affects individual health but also has a measurable negative impact on productivity, employee morale, and staff retention.
According to Eurofound, psychosocial risks—such as prolonged stress—are among the most common workplace issues reported by European employees.
(Source: Eurofound)
In addition, younger professionals, particularly Generation Z, are showing growing resistance to managerial roles. A study by Robert Walters found that 69% of Gen Z employees consider middle management jobs too stressful, due to long hours and lack of recognition.
(Source: Euronews)
Strategies and Initiatives for Burnout Prevention
Several Europe-wide initiatives have been launched to address managerial burnout in a structured and strategic way:
Burnout Prevent (Interreg Central Europe)
This EU-funded project aims to improve resilience to burnout in SMEs across seven European countries. Its focus includes:
- Development of burnout risk assessment tools
- Promotion of healthier leadership and organizational cultures
- Training programs and digital wellness solutions
- Policy recommendations to enhance workplace mental health
(Source: Interreg Central Europe)
EU-OSHA Campaigns
The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) supports employers through educational campaigns, risk assessment tools, and practical resources to address psychosocial hazards in the workplace.
(Source: Healthy Workplaces)
Conclusion: The Need for Immediate Action
Workplace stress and burnout among managers across Europe are no longer isolated problems—they are systemic challenges requiring coordinated responses. Organizations that prioritize employee well-being, embrace digital transformation, and restructure workload distribution will be better positioned for sustainable growth and talent retention.
For more insights, watch this detailed analysis from Gallup’s 2025 Report on work trends in Europe and Italy:
Watch the report on YouTube
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