South African employees are feeling the strain of rising living costs, financial uncertainty and increasing workplace demands, making burnout one of the defining workplace challenges of 2026
With higher transport costs, rising food prices and ongoing economic pressure, many employees are carrying significant stress long before they arrive at work. According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), nearly one in three South Africans will experience a mental health challenge during their lifetime, yet many never seek professional help. Damian McHugh, Chief Marketing Officer at Momentum Health, about the biggest factors driving burnout in the workplace right now and shares some practical steps can they take to protect their mental wellbeing.