Burnout symptoms have risen as workers worry about their job future, according to a new study tracking Finnish working life. The research shows that uncertainty about employment is becoming more common, while work ability has declined slightly and stress levels are growing.
The study found that around 40 percent of working-age people are concerned about how their job will evolve, and 45 percent say they cannot predict what will happen in their work. Only 16 percent expect their job situation to improve. These results come from the “How is Finland doing?” monitoring study by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, which has tracked work wellbeing and conditions since 2019.
Research professor Jari Hakanen said the study highlights four negative trends happening at the same time. Work demands have grown, resources at work have declined, expectations about the future have become more uncertain, and burnout symptoms have increased. While the changes are moderate, Hakanen said they deserve attention.
Comparing responses from the same participants between summer and the end of 2025, the study shows that experiences of positive work resources remain relatively strong but are slowly declining. Fair treatment and the sense of being heard have both fallen slightly. By the end of 2025, 79 percent of respondents reported fair treatment at work, down roughly two percentage points from the previous survey period.
Social isolation in the workplace has also increased slightly. About one in five workers report feeling lonely at work, while one in four say they experience loneliness in general life. Special researcher Janne Kaltiainen said workplaces can reduce uncertainty by strengthening social support. Fair treatment, support, and listening to employees can be maintained and even reinforced during difficult periods. He added that belonging to a supportive group becomes especially important when the future feels uncertain.
At the same time, work demands are rising. Employees report more conflicting expectations and pressures related to their duties. Researcher Jie Li said leaders face a particular challenge in maintaining healthy working conditions while managing their own stress. Leaders themselves report higher strain and less support compared with other employees.
The study also shows a slight decline in overall work ability. Thirty-seven percent of respondents rated their work ability as excellent, compared with 39 percent six months earlier. Boredom at work has increased slightly, although levels of positive engagement remain stable.
Burnout symptoms have grown modestly since the previous survey period. About 9 percent of respondents show probable signs of burnout, up from 8 percent six months earlier. Another 16 percent are at an elevated risk of burnout, meaning roughly one quarter of workers now report concerning burnout symptoms. The rise is most notable among people aged 30 to 45. In this group, 13 percent report severe burnout symptoms. Researchers link this trend to higher job demands, fewer resources, and pressures from family life, which make coping more difficult.
Hakanen said middle-career workers often face the most demanding years, combining work responsibilities with family obligations. Discussions about working life often focus on younger employees or those nearing retirement, leaving this group underexamined.
Despite these changes, researchers emphasize that the overall picture of working life in Finland remains largely positive, with many workers still experiencing strong engagement and fair treatment at work.
