A new national survey has confirmed what many Australian workers already feel in their bones: burnout, long hours, and disengagement are becoming the norm. The ACTU’s Workplace Truths poll, released ahead of next month’s Economic Reform Roundtable, paints a pretty stark picture. Thirty-nine percent of workers, or around 5.7 million people, say they feel burnt out. That’s not just a red flag. That’s the fire alarm.
But what’s really at the heart of this issue? It’s not just about too much work or not enough hands. The survey, along with data from Gallup and global studies by Harvard, Stanford, and the London School of Economics, points to something deeper: poor management.
Australian workers are consistently saying the same thing. They’re under pressure, under-resourced, and under-supported. Nearly half the workforce reports working extra hours regularly, and just 54 percent believe their team has enough people to do the job properly. Worryingly, 41 percent of workers say their manager doesn’t create an environment where they feel motivated to do their best work.
Let’s be clear. This isn’t just a management problem. It’s a culture problem. And culture, unlike some economic factors, is something we can actually change.
So, what can we do?
Here are a few ways any workplace can start creating a culture where people actually want to show up, contribute, and grow:
1. Ask, Listen, Act
Too often, feedback is collected then shelved. Real workplace improvement starts with regular, open dialogue, not just performance reviews. Managers should ask employees how things are going, listen without defensiveness, and then act. According to the ACTU survey, only 55 percent of managers have even asked their people how to improve ways of working. That’s a missed opportunity.
2. Invest in People, Not Just Outputs
More than half of workers feel they’re lacking the training needed to keep up with changes like AI and tech. Building skills isn’t a luxury. It’s essential. If you’re a leader, support professional development. If you’re an employee, ask for it. A growth mindset lifts everyone.
3. Make Wellbeing Part of the Day-to-Day
Burnout isn’t a badge of honour. It’s a sign that something’s broken. True productivity doesn’t come from pushing people to the edge. It comes from balance. That means respecting work hours, encouraging breaks, and normalising mental health days.
4. Trust and Autonomy Matter
Micromanagement kills motivation. People do their best work when they feel trusted. Empower teams to take ownership and contribute to decisions. A sense of purpose and autonomy isn’t just good for morale. It boosts innovation and retention.
5. Lead by Example
Culture starts at the top. Managers need to model the values they want to see: transparency, kindness, accountability, and courage. Leadership isn’t about knowing everything. It’s about being willing to grow alongside your team.
Australia doesn’t have a productivity problem. We have a management opportunity. The data is clear, but so is the path forward. Better workplaces are possible. It starts with better conversations, smarter support, and a shared commitment to a culture where everyone can thrive.