Burnout isn’t unique to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, especially in the United States, where productivity has become something of a religious identity for many. But “it’s more of a problem now than it’s ever really been,” says Marra G. Ackerman, MD, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at NYU Langone Health.

The causes have morphed over the past year. Now, burnout isn’t necessarily tied to a forced productivity, or from not feeling a sense of purpose at a day job, says Dr. Ackerman. In fact, many people are doing work they consider more important than ever. Rather, it’s that for the past 14 months there has been nothing but work. Many of us have been cut off from the people and activities that gave our life meaning before, explains Dr. Ackerman.

Employers concerned about their workers have to play a role. One step employers can take is to make mental health resources easily available and accessible. Dr. Ackerman says that NYU Langone, for example, partners with companies to provide affordable, in-network behavioral health services for their employees. Innovating how employees can access care can go a long way to helping their mental health long term.

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