Burnout in the C-suite is reaching unprecedented levels, fueled by unrelenting pressure, rapid change and isolation at the top, all against the backdrop of a challenging economic and geopolitical landscape.
This is according to new data from CEO coaching and peer advisory organization Vistage, which revealed that 71% of CEOs regularly or occasionally feel burned out and nearly one-third experienced burnout frequently or nearly every day over the past year. Seven percent of survey respondents said they feel burned out every day.
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“Today’s leaders are navigating volatile markets, evolving workforce expectations, and the constant demand for innovation in technologies like artificial intelligence, all while bearing the weight of guiding their organizations through uncertainty,” said Vistage Chief Research Officer Joe Galvin. “Unlike other roles, CEOs often face their challenges alone, with few trusted peers to turn to. That isolation makes the weight of leadership especially draining.”
To combat burnout, organizations should consider building sustainable leadership models by prioritizing meaningful support, continuous learning and development, and authentic connection, said Galvin.
“By investing in executive coaching, thoughtful succession planning, and broader definitions of success that include wellbeing and long-term resilience, they’re not just helping leaders survive, they’re empowering them to thrive,” he said.
In addition, company leaders themselves can combat burnout. Respondents to Vistage’s survey said they have improved feelings of burnout by adding leadership support and re-focusing on traditional methods of stress relief, including exercise, mindfulness and spending time in nature.
The findings are part of the Wall Street Journal/Vistage Small Business CEO Confidence Index, which measures the sentiment of U.S. small business leaders with revenues of $1 million to $20 million about the economy, prospects and expansion plans for their business.
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Kristen Smithberg
Kristen Smithberg is a Colorado-based freelance writer who covers commercial real estate, insurance, benefits and retirement topics for BenefitsPRO and other industry publications.
