How gender bias drives employee burnout in women

[WORLD] Gender bias has been a persistent issue in workplaces worldwide, and its impact on women’s mental and physical health cannot be understated. Employee burnout has long been recognized as a significant concern, and women, in particular, are often disproportionately affected by it. Despite significant strides toward gender equality in many industries, gender bias continues to fuel burnout in women, contributing to an array of emotional, mental, and professional challenges.

In this article, we will explore three key ways gender bias exacerbates employee burnout in women and offer insights into how organizations can address these issues to promote a healthier, more productive work environment.

1. The Double Standards and "Superwoman" Expectations

One of the primary ways gender bias contributes to burnout is through double standards in the workplace. Women are often expected to balance both their professional duties and their responsibilities at home, creating an overwhelming "superwoman" expectation. While men are rarely subjected to such demands, women are consistently held to higher standards both in terms of work output and personal life management.

This pressure to excel at everything—from leadership roles to household chores—can lead to emotional and physical exhaustion. Women may find themselves constantly striving for perfection, knowing that their mistakes will be scrutinized more harshly than their male counterparts. These heightened expectations can cause feelings of inadequacy, frustration, and overwhelm, all of which are significant contributors to burnout.

As Michelle Travis writes, “Women are often expected to work harder, smarter, and longer than their male colleagues simply to be seen as equal. The internalization of these unrealistic standards can be emotionally exhausting.”

How Organizations Can Help:

To combat the "superwoman" expectations, companies should recognize and challenge the gendered assumptions that place undue burdens on women. This could involve advocating for more equitable workloads and offering greater support for work-life balance through policies like flexible working hours and family leave. Encouraging a culture of collaboration over competition can also alleviate pressure on women to constantly prove themselves.

2. Unconscious Bias in Decision-Making

Another critical contributor to burnout in women is unconscious bias in decision-making. This bias affects women’s career progression, opportunities for leadership roles, and compensation. Unconscious bias can manifest in various forms—whether it’s overlooking a woman for a promotion in favor of a less-qualified male candidate or assigning her tasks that are less visible or influential.

Women often feel as though they must work harder to be recognized, which increases their stress levels and contributes to burnout. In many cases, even when women do succeed, their accomplishments are sometimes attributed to external factors, such as luck, rather than their own competence and effort. This lack of recognition can lead to feelings of frustration, helplessness, and exhaustion.

As Travis notes, “Unconscious bias in hiring and promotions means that women are often overlooked, even when they are the best candidates for the job. This constant need to prove oneself, just to be seen as worthy, can lead to emotional burnout.”

How Organizations Can Help:

Organizations can address unconscious bias by providing training for all employees, particularly those in leadership positions, to recognize and overcome these biases. Implementing fair, transparent performance reviews and promotion processes will help ensure that decisions are based on merit rather than gendered assumptions. Regular feedback and recognition for achievements can also ensure that women’s contributions are valued and celebrated.

3. Emotional Labor and Gendered Expectations

Emotional labor—the management of one's emotions to fulfill the emotional requirements of a job—is another significant contributor to burnout in women. Women are often expected to take on the role of emotional caretakers in the workplace, whether that involves mediating conflicts, providing emotional support to colleagues, or managing team dynamics.

While emotional intelligence is essential in leadership, the constant emotional labor women are expected to perform is rarely acknowledged or compensated. This expectation disproportionately affects women in service-oriented industries, healthcare, education, and managerial roles. The mental load of managing others' emotions on top of one's own can lead to emotional depletion and burnout.

Travis highlights, “Women are often expected to be the ‘glue’ that holds teams together, both professionally and emotionally. This invisible work takes a toll on women’s well-being and can quickly lead to burnout if it is not recognized and addressed.”

How Organizations Can Help:

To alleviate the burden of emotional labor, companies should recognize and distribute this responsibility more equitably across all employees. Formal recognition of emotional labor, perhaps through better compensation or support, can help reduce burnout. Furthermore, providing access to mental health resources and stress management programs can equip women with the tools to cope with the emotional demands of their roles.

The Role of Organizational Culture in Reducing Burnout

Creating an organizational culture that actively combats gender bias is crucial in addressing employee burnout in women. Companies should take proactive steps to ensure that all employees, regardless of gender, have equal opportunities for growth, support, and recognition.

This includes fostering an environment where women’s voices are heard and valued, challenging gender stereotypes, and providing platforms for women to mentor one another. When women are supported in their professional growth and their emotional well-being is prioritized, they are less likely to experience the burnout that stems from gender bias.

The Need for Allies

It’s essential for men to act as allies in addressing gender bias and supporting women in their careers. By acknowledging the unique challenges women face, men can use their privilege to help amplify women’s voices and create a more equitable workplace. This shared responsibility fosters a collaborative environment where all employees—regardless of gender—can thrive.

Gender bias continues to fuel employee burnout in women, with double standards, unconscious bias, and emotional labor all playing significant roles in the problem. By recognizing these issues and actively working to address them, organizations can create a more inclusive and supportive environment that allows women to succeed without sacrificing their health and well-being.

As Travis rightly points out, “It’s not just about fixing individual women—it’s about fixing the systems that create these gendered challenges in the first place.” Creating a workplace that acknowledges and addresses gender bias will benefit everyone, ensuring that both women and men can thrive without the risk of burnout.