Burnout Across Generations: Examining Differences Among Generation Z, Millennials, and Generation X

Abstract

The present study examined differences in burnout levels among Generation Z, Millennials, and Generation X in Pakistan. It was hypothesized that burnout levels would significantly differ across these three generational cohorts. A total of 300 participants (100 from each generation) were recruited from the general population of Pakistan using convenience sampling. Data were collected through an online survey utilizing the Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT) developed by Wilmar Schaufeli and colleagues (2020). The study employed a quantitative cross-sectional research design, and a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to compare burnout levels among the groups. The results supported the proposed hypothesis, indicating a statistically significant difference in burnout scores across the three generations, F(2, 297) = 6.04, p = .003. Generation Z reported the highest level of burnout (M = 91.20, SD = 20.31), followed by Generation X (M = 86.96, SD = 21.11), whereas Millennials demonstrated the lowest burnout scores (M = 80.83, SD = 22.04). Post hoc comparisons revealed that Generation Z had significantly higher burnout levels than Millennials (mean difference = 10.37, p = .002). However, no statistically significant differences were observed between Generation Z and Generation X or between Millennials and Generation X. These findings suggest that younger adults, particularly those belonging to Generation Z, may be more vulnerable to burnout compared to older generations. The study highlights the importance of developing generation-specific mental health interventions and workplace well-being initiatives to address burnout within the Pakistani population. Keywords: burnout, Generation Z, Millennials, Generation X, mental health, Pakistan, Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT).