A groundbreaking new study has upended conventional wisdom about burnout, finding that the overwhelming fatigue and emotional exhaustion many people experience are often rooted in broader life pressures—not just the demands of their jobs. The research, led by a team from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), could reshape how both employers and individuals approach the problem of burnout, which is historically framed as a workplace issue (ScienceAlert).
Traditionally, burnout is seen as the result of long office hours, difficult colleagues, and relentless job expectations. Yet the NTNU study, which assessed 813 employees in Norway, revealed that less than 30 percent of those suffering from burnout pointed to their jobs as the primary cause of their symptoms. In stark contrast, the majority linked their exhaustion to a range of everyday life stressors far removed from the workplace. This shift in understanding challenges not only how scientists and health practitioners define burnout but also the interventions they recommend.
For Thai readers, especially those grappling with increasing cases of stress and burnout in both private and public sectors, this research signals the need for a broader conversation. Contemporary Thai culture, which often encourages hard work and filial piety, can blur the lines between work, family obligations, and personal time. According to the NTNU survey, burnout is best described as “depressive stress in life” rather than being exclusively a job phenomenon.
The team, including noted psychologist Renzo Bianchi, found that while certain work-related factors—such as job security and support from colleagues—did connect with overall psychological stress, they were not the primary triggers for burnout. Only 27.7 percent of those reporting burnout symptoms felt that their job was the main culprit. In other words, the study reinforces emerging international evidence: the majority of burnout cases have roots that reach well beyond the boardroom.
Burnout, as defined by the World Health Organization, is “chronic workplace stress” that leads to exhaustion, detachment from work, and declining professional performance (WHO). These hallmarks have informed not only global health policy but also workplace wellness initiatives in Thailand. Yet, with the new findings, researchers argue our definitions deserve reconsideration. As Bianchi says, “For people with a more anxious personality, worries and stress can drain a lot of energy, without it necessarily being solely about their job. Constantly worrying about what could go wrong is exhausting.”
The prevalence of burnout among Thais is rising. In Bangkok and other major cities, employees often juggle multi-generational household responsibilities, rising living costs, and expectations to “save face” by not openly discussing emotional distress. This study’s finding—that family, health, and financial issues may overwhelm workers as much as office pressures—suggests a critical need for public dialogue and policy shifts in Thailand. Perhaps most crucially, it underscores that focusing solely on improving workplace conditions may not fully address the burnout epidemic.
Psychologists and occupational health experts in Thailand frequently encounter individuals who may not identify workplace troubles, but instead cite persistent health issues, uncertainty about the future, or difficult personal relationships as sources of exhaustion and despair. This complexity mirrors the Norwegian findings. For instance, a mental health professional at a prominent Bangkok hospital notes that “patients often assume their work is to blame, but on closer examination, deep-rooted anxieties about family, finances, or self-worth are just as influential.”
Recognizing burnout’s multi-faceted origins could empower Thai employers and policymakers to adopt more holistic wellness strategies. These may include providing mental health resources that address issues outside of work, promoting flexible schedules to allow for family care, and fostering social support networks both inside and outside the office. Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has made strides in providing mental health hotlines, but as the NTNU study suggests, preventive approaches must account for stresses from all areas of life.
Historically, the modern notion of “burnout” stems from the 1970s work of US psychologist Herbert Freudenberger, who first identified the condition among care workers (Wikipedia). Since then, the definition has broadened to encompass all professions—yet the focus has always remained on the workplace. In Thailand, teachers, hospital staff, and corporate employees have all reported rising rates of chronic stress, especially as digital technologies further erode boundaries between professional and personal time.
The NTNU research is not alone in its conclusions. International studies have also found that non-work factors, such as personality traits and chronic personal stress, are major contributors to burnout (PubMed Source Example). Bianchi and his colleagues recommend deeper research into individual personality types, such as those who are naturally more anxious, as these people may be especially vulnerable to energy-draining worries regardless of their job environment.
For Thais, who often see mental health as a private matter, this new perspective can break down stigmas and encourage a more open, culturally sensitive approach to well-being. Traditional support systems, such as close-knit family ties and Buddhist mindfulness practices, may offer protection against life stressors, but they can also create pressure—especially when expectations are unspoken or conflicts are hidden to avoid social shame. A mental health specialist at a leading Thai university remarks, “Understanding burnout as a broader life issue allows us to offer help that goes beyond workplace counseling, embracing family and community support as well.”
Looking ahead, as Thailand’s economy and social structure continue to evolve, the sources of stress for its workforce may become even more diverse. Economic volatility, rapid urbanization, and growing social media use are likely to add to daily pressures. The NTNU study’s authors counsel that improving job security, increasing colleague support, and fostering self-determination will remain important, but these steps alone cannot prevent burnout if life outside the office is equally draining.
For individuals, practical steps to safeguard against burnout include setting clear boundaries between work and family time, seeking professional mental health support when feeling overwhelmed, and learning stress management techniques such as mindfulness or cognitive-behavioral therapy. For employers and government bodies, the NTNU study advocates for policies that recognize the entire spectrum of human experience—not just what happens during office hours. This might mean developing support programs tailored to Thai cultural norms, including spiritual guidance and community-based interventions.
As the understanding of burnout continues to shift, the most important message for Thai readers is this: fatigue and despair are not simply an occupational hazard, but a complex reaction to the challenges of modern life. By recognizing the full range of contributors and embracing both traditional and evidence-based coping strategies, Thais can take meaningful steps toward greater resilience and well-being.
For those feeling overwhelmed, it’s essential to seek support—not just from workplaces or supervisors, but from family, friends, health professionals, and community leaders. Collective action and open communication can help dismantle the hidden barriers to mental health and ensure that every individual, regardless of their profession, has the opportunity to thrive.
For further reading, the full study can be accessed via ScienceAlert, and the World Health Organization’s guidelines on mental health are a valuable resource for individuals and organizations alike.