Trends, Life, and Stories:

Burnout, once considered a rare condition, has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, affecting a significant portion of the workforce. Although not officially classified as a medical diagnosis, burnout is a pressing issue in Switzerland, as recent surveys indicate. Approximately 16.9% of adults have experienced burnout, and 24.9% of employed individuals feel at risk due to their work.

The percentage of workers aged 16 to 65 experiencing emotional exhaustion—a key component of burnout—has risen sharply, reaching 30.3% by the end of 2022, up from 22.6% in 2015. The overall proportion of workers who report feeling stressed at work increased from 18% in 2012 to 23% in 2022, according to data from the Swiss Federal Statistical Office. Stress has now become the most significant health risk in the workplace, with over half (53%) of stressed individuals also reporting emotional exhaustion, indicating a high risk of burnout.

So, why are more workers feeling burned out? Experts point to several factors: increased work intensity, constant accessibility due to digital devices, and the pressure of compensating for absent colleagues amidst a shortage of skilled workers. Stress levels are particularly high in the healthcare and social services sectors, where 29% of workers report feeling stressed, a sector in which one in four women are employed. The broader societal context, including global challenges like wars, natural disasters, and pandemics, further depletes our coping mechanisms, making it harder to manage work-related stress.

Young women are particularly at risk. Research shows that younger employees generally have fewer resources to manage stress compared to their older counterparts, and women are more affected than men. Specifically, 30.6% of women aged 16 to 39 consider themselves at risk of burnout, compared to 24.6% of the general population. The percentage of women feeling emotionally exhausted at work has risen from 20% in 2012 to 25% in 2022, while men's burnout risk has remained stable at 19%. Notably, emotionally exhausted individuals are far more likely to experience symptoms of depression—27%, compared to just 5% of other workers.

A 2023 Deloitte study further highlights this disconnect between workplace well-being initiatives and employee experiences: while 80% of executives claim that well-being is a top priority, 90% of workers report that their work-life balance is deteriorating. According to a 2021 survey by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (Seco), the pace of work and pressure to meet deadlines in Switzerland are higher than elsewhere in Europe, further exacerbating the burnout epidemic.

These trends underscore the growing need for proactive measures to address burnout. This is where coaching becomes increasingly relevant. Personalized coaching offers tailored strategies to manage stress, improve work-life balance, and build resilience. By addressing the root causes of burnout and implementing effective coping mechanisms, coaching helps individuals and organizations navigate these challenges and foster a healthier, more sustainable work environment.

Job-Stress-Index, Health Promotion Switzerland, the University of Bern and the Zurich University of Applied Science 2022

The Workforce Wellbeing Imperative, Deloitte 2023

Mediaconference November 3. 2023 Federal Statistical Office 

 Schweizerische Gesundheitsbefragung: Arbeit und Gesundheit 2012-2022, Swiss Fedral Statistical Office 2023

The Swiss Federal Statistical Office conducts a Survey every 15 years where in 2022 21,930 people throughout Switzerland were asked about their state of health and health behaviour.  Hence this article is heavily leaning on these findings and the press conference of November 2023, by the Federal Statistical Office. 

Obesity has become a significant public health concern in Switzerland. According to the latest health survey 42% of the population is now classified as overweight, and nearly 10% are obese. Men are disproportionately affected, with over 50% of men overweight compared to 34% of women. Although this discrepancy warrants further research, proving the root cause remains challenging. Therefore, it’s essential to keep a holistic perspective on health and note gender differences where relevant.

Alongside data on obesity, it revealed worrying trends in associated diseases such as cardiovascular health, especially among older men. For instance, high blood pressure in men aged 65+ surged from 32.6% in 1992 to 53% in 2022, while diabetes prevalence increased by more than 5% over the past 15 years. More detailed statistics are shared in the tables below (end of article).

Although cardiovascular health has impacted men more severely, trends of psychological stress disproportionately affect women. For example, 21% of women feeling highly stressed compared to 14% of men. Mental health issues have also risen by 3% since 2017, affecting 18% of the population in 2022. Young women are particularly vulnerable, with 9% experiencing severe stress. Physical complaints are also more common among women, including general fatigue and sleep difficulties, while men report fewer symptoms across all areas (see more details in Tables at the end of the article).

What factors are driving the rise in obesity and health concerns?

A complex interplay of issues is likely at play, probable causes, such as: changing food consumption patterns, urbanization, and increasingly sedentary lifestyles are likely contributing to weight gain. The 2022 survey highlighted that 71% of the Swiss population pay attention to their diet, yet only 16% consume vegetables at least five times a week. Women are almost twice as likely as men to maintain a vegetable-rich diet, while individuals with higher education levels tend to eat more fruit and vegetables also.

The growing popularity of food delivery services is another critical factor. The Swiss food delivery market expanded by 65% between 2018 and 2020, reaching CHF 2.1 billion. Around 70% of people now order food online, with 28.5% doing so more than 2-3 times a month. Convenience-driven lifestyles, especially among younger people and full-time employees, are contributing to this trend. This reliance on fast, convenient food further exacerbates obesity rates.

Level of physical activity among the Swiss population has remained stable compared to previous years. More than four out of five young adults under the age of 25 get enough exercise in their free time and only five per cent are inactive. However, on average, the population (age 15+) spent around five to six hours sitting down in 2022. In addition, men (32%) sit more often than women (24%). Another interesting note is that 20.9% of the population aged 15-44 spend more than 10 hours seated per day, compared to 18% spending between 8-10 hours seated. Hence 38.9% of the population under 45 spend more than 8h seated. These figures drastically decrease for the older generations as only 9% of people over 65 spend sit for more than 8h.

Toward a Healthier Future

Reversing the obesity trend in Switzerland requires a holistic approach that considers physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The rise in chronic conditions and psychological stress, particularly among women, highlights the need to address not only physical health but also societal and mental health issues. Promoting healthier eating habits, encouraging physical activity, and raising awareness about the impact of lifestyle choices will be key to creating a healthier future for all Swiss citizens.

MarktForschung: Der Schweizer Food Delivery-Markt ist um 64% auf 2.1 Mia CHF gewachsen, JustEat 2021

Mediaconference November 3. 2023 Federal Statistical Office 

Schweizerische Gesundheitsbefragung: Arbeit und Gesundheit 2012-2022, Swiss Fedral Statistical Office 2023