Emotional Exhaustion at Work Increasing in Albania
Around 17% of Albanian employees say they feel emotionally exhausted from work “always” or “most of the time,” according to the latest European Working Conditions Survey published by the European Commission in April 2024.
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The figure places Albania among the ten European countries with the highest levels of emotional fatigue in the workplace and above the European Union average of 13%.
The survey, conducted every five years, highlights growing concerns about burnout, mental health, and workplace pressure across Europe. Emotional exhaustion and physical fatigue are considered two of the main symptoms of burnout, a condition caused by prolonged stress and excessive workloads.
Kosovo and the Western Balkans Report Even Higher Burnout Levels
Within the Western Balkans region, Kosovo recorded the highest rate of emotional exhaustion, with 29% of workers saying they feel emotionally drained always or most of the time. This is the second-highest rate in Europe, after Cyprus.
Other regional figures include:
- Montenegro: 26%
- North Macedonia: 21%
- Albania and Serbia: 17%
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: 13%
At the European level, Cyprus tops the list with 36% of workers experiencing frequent emotional exhaustion, while the Netherlands reported the lowest level at only 6%.
Albanian Workers Less Physically Exhausted Than Regional Peers
While emotional fatigue is relatively high in Albania, workers appear to report lower levels of physical exhaustion compared to neighboring countries.
According to the survey, 26% of Albanian employees said they feel physically exhausted always or most of the time after work. This is below the EU average of 28% and places Albania among the ten countries with the lowest physical exhaustion rates in Europe.
By comparison:
- Montenegro: 38%
- North Macedonia: 35%
- Kosovo: 34%
- Serbia: 30%
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: 29%
Across the EU, 8% of workers reported feeling physically exhausted all the time, while 20% said they experience it most of the time.
Women More Affected by Burnout Symptoms
The survey found that women are more likely than men to experience both emotional and physical exhaustion.
Across the EU:
- 15% of women reported emotional exhaustion always or most of the time, compared to 12% of men.
- 30% of women reported physical exhaustion frequently, compared to 26% of men.
Women also reported higher levels of health-related problems linked to work, especially headaches, eye strain, anxiety, and musculoskeletal pain.
Headaches and eye fatigue were reported by 54% of women compared to 41% of men, while anxiety affected 26% of women and 16% of men.
Education and Healthcare Among the Most Affected Sectors
The survey identified education and healthcare as the sectors with the highest levels of emotional exhaustion.
- Education sector: 18%
- Healthcare sector: 17%
By profession, technicians and machine operators were among the groups most affected by emotional burnout.
Meanwhile, physically demanding jobs continue to affect workers in agriculture and healthcare the most. About 35% of workers in both sectors reported frequent physical exhaustion.
Common Health Problems Linked to Work
The European survey also highlighted several widespread health issues among workers across the continent.
The most commonly reported problems were:
- Shoulder, neck, and upper limb pain: 52%
- Back pain: 52%
- Headaches and eye strain: 47%
- Lower body muscular pain: 38%
- Anxiety: 21%
These findings reinforce growing concerns about the long-term impact of stressful and physically demanding work environments on employee wellbeing.
A Comprehensive Survey Across Europe
The European Working Conditions Survey 2024 provides one of the most detailed pictures of work quality and labor conditions across Europe.
The findings are based on 36,644 face-to-face interviews conducted across 35 countries. Each interview lasted approximately 45 minutes, offering extensive insights into workers’ experiences, job quality, and work-life balance.
The survey has been conducted regularly since 1990 and serves as an important tool for policymakers seeking to improve sustainable and inclusive economic growth through better working conditions.
Why Workplace Burnout Matters
Experts increasingly warn that emotional exhaustion can reduce productivity, increase absenteeism, and negatively affect mental and physical health. As burnout becomes a growing issue across Europe, businesses and governments may face pressure to improve workplace conditions, mental health support, and work-life balance policies.
For Albania, the findings suggest that while physical workloads may be relatively lower than in neighboring countries, emotional stress and mental fatigue are becoming a serious challenge for the workforce.