Burnout among women is deeply rooted in a history where not all were welcomed equally. - Carmen Paredes

Introduction

Imagine a world where every person has the freedom to thrive without the crippling effects of burnout. As a former executive with over 20 years of experience, I've firsthand witnessed and endured the severe consequences of burnout—it nearly cost me my life.

When I was forced to stop and turn my life inside out, one of the things I did was research about burnout, and I learned that there is a great crisis happening and shockingly is not equally distributed among races and genders.

That’s exactly why today I want to delve into the topic of women's burnout and its connections to Juneteenth.

Here I’m sharing with you not only professional insights but a personal journey of near-destruction due to the relentless pursuit of success.

If you ask me, this discussion isn't just vital—it's urgent, as it touches on the legacy of resilience and the need for systemic change.

Global Impact of Burnout on Women

Burnout among women is a profound issue that transcends mere workplace stress, deeply rooted in a history where not all were welcomed equally.  In fact, studies indicating that up to 45% of female employees experience burnout symptoms.

According to a Gallup poll, women report feeling burnout at work more frequently than men, attributing this to both professional and domestic responsibilities.

This heightened stress level not only diminishes productivity but also significantly affects women's mental health, leading to higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to their male counterparts.

For centuries, women, much like African American and other minority groups, were systematically excluded from professional spaces.

It wasn't until the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 that discrimination on the basis of sex, as well as race, was formally outlawed in the United States workplaces.

Despite this, residual beliefs, thoughts, and cultural hangovers persist, making it challenging for women to advance in their careers without facing undue stress and pressure.

And I wonder…. How much longer will it take for our society to equalize itself?

How many more generations of women and minorities will have to suffer and burnout because of the extra stress and pressures that takes to make it to the top?

How many more perfectly capable individuals will cry in silence thinking they are less than, not good enough or not worthy of the opportunity?

The Relationship with Juneteenth

This backdrop is crucial as we approach Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S. and symbolizes a broader struggle for freedom and equality.

Just as emancipation marked a turning point for African Americans, understanding and dismantling the legacy of exclusion in workplaces is essential for truly liberating women from the shackles of burnout.

This historic parallel helps us appreciate why burnout is particularly pervasive among women and underlines the need for a systemic shift towards true inclusivity and empowerment.

Just as emancipation marked a turning point for African Americans, understanding and dismantling the legacy of exclusion is essential for truly liberating women from the shackles of burnout - Carmen Paredes

And What about Latinas?

If you still think this is not an issue in 2024, I beg you to reconsider.

I know this too well, because I experienced it in my bones… daily!

Even though I climbed the corporate ladder with fierce determination, I had to often work up to 80 hours a week just to get the chance to sit at the table.

I was determined to succeed and because at the time I didn’t know about my workaholism tendencies, I worked and I worked until work took a toll on my health and on my life.

Exhaustion, mood swings, daily migraines, full-body rashes, and eventually life-threatening ulcers that forced me to a standstill.

I not only had to slow down, but I  had to quit the career I loved—a career that was nearly my undoing.

Historical Overview of Women in the Workforce

Tracing the history of women in the workforce unveils a trajectory of gradual but significant change.

From the industrial age when women were primarily in low-wage jobs, to the post-World War II era where women began entering professional fields in larger numbers, the journey has been complex.

Key legal milestones like the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 have been pivotal in securing workplace equality, yet societal expectations and gender norms have continued to pose challenges.

Psychological and Sociological Insights

There are many studies with findings that illustrate how long-term stress impacts women profoundly, not just emotionally but also physically.

However, societal expectations that women should effortlessly balance career and caregiving roles contribute to chronic stress. And just now, psychologists are saying that this 'superwoman' stereotype can lead to a sense of failure and inadequacy, exacerbating feelings of burnout.  - No kidding!

Studies also suggest that workplaces that really foster gender equity and support work-life balance see significant reductions in stress-related disorders among their female employees.

So then, why not more organizations are doing that?

Case Studies and International Perspective

This is where I feel the most companies are lagging, and eventually this is going to be one of those things that is going to come and bite us in the rear.

However I was pleased to see a post in Linkedin from Charlie Saffro, CEO of CS Recruiting where her company is “banning” after-hour emails.

However, other latitudes are way more in tune with their female employees needs.  For example, in Scandinavia, comprehensive parental leave policies and workplace flexibility are standard, supporting women in maintaining a balance without sacrificing career progression.

In contrast, companies in Japan are beginning to recognize the need for similar policies, as traditional work norms have placed excessive pressures on all employees, particularly women.

Is it possible that US CEOs haven’t grasped yet the ROI of caring about their female employees?

Role of Leadership in Combating Burnout

In case nobody has told you, here it goes: Leaders play a crucial role in recognizing and addressing burnout, which starts with acknowledging its existence and impact.

Exceptional leaders create an environment where employees feel safe to express concerns about workload and stress.

Flash news: This is what your 1-1s are for.

These are meetings in which you can implement strategies for regular wellness checks, mental health days, and resources for stress management - in a safe way, creating a supportive work culture that prioritizes your employees well-being.

Impact of Burnout on Personal Life and Comparative Analysis Across Industries

The crude reality is that burnout extends far beyond the workplace. It infiltrates in every aspect of your personal life.

It can strain relationships, reduce parental effectiveness, and lead to serious health issues.

Addressing burnout, therefore, is not just about improving work conditions but also about enhancing the overall quality of life for your employees.

A comparative analysis reveals that industries with higher demands and less flexibility, such as healthcare and tech, report higher levels of burnout among women.

But does that mean that women don’t belong in these industries?

Absolutely not!  In, fact these are two of the industries I worked on and not the ones I burnout.

Why?

Because during my tenure working in Tech and Healthcare I worked for companies and leaders that truly cared about their employees wellbeing.

What Can You Do Now?

As a seasoned executive coach, and leadership consultant I dedicate my life to helping leaders—women, and brave men—recognize and understand the real causes of burnout.

I aim to equip you with the knowledge to identify early signs and implement both preventive and corrective strategies to ensure you and your team never reach the brink as I did.

That’s why I’m inviting you to take this burnout quiz share your experience with me in a complementary and confidential discovery call.

I’m confident that together, we can forge a path for you and your team toward sustainable success, free from the dangers of burnout.