Are Australian Office Workers Burnt Out or Just Too Busy to Notice?

In a world increasingly obsessed with productivity hacks and hustle culture, the humble work break has become something of an endangered species — and Australian workers might be paying the price. New research commissioned by COS, an Australian-owned workplace supplies company, has shed light on a troubling reality: more than a quarter of Australian employees (28%) report never taking breaks during the workday.

At first glance, skipping a tea break might seem minor — even noble. But when this becomes the norm, rather than the exception, it raises a more serious question: are we too busy to notice we’re burning out?

The Break That Never Comes

Despite clear evidence that regular breaks boost productivity, lower stress, and improve the quality of work, many employees feel unable — or even guilty — about stepping away from their desks. The COS survey, which polled over 1,000 workers across industries and locations, found that time pressure, heavy workloads, and guilt were the top reasons workers gave for not taking breaks.

This isn’t just an individual issue; it’s a cultural one. COS Co-CEO Amie Lyone notes, “We want to help remove these barriers and create spaces that support people to take better, more meaningful breaks — not just for their own wellbeing, but because it genuinely helps teams work better.”

A Generational Divide

Interestingly, not everyone is equally averse to downtime. Gen Z workers were the most likely to take breaks every day (84%), compared to just 65% of Boomers. This generational split could reflect shifting attitudes toward work-life balance, or perhaps a growing awareness of mental health needs among younger employees.

Still, with nearly a third of all workers skipping breaks entirely, the message is clear: Australia’s workplace culture might be drifting dangerously toward burnout.

Is the Office Making Us Unwell?

The modern office was once a symbol of structure and collaboration — but is it now part of the problem? With open-plan layouts, endless meetings, and digital notifications pinging constantly, many employees find it hard to disconnect even when they want to.

COS found that workers would be more likely to take breaks if their office included designated rest zones (21%), quiet spaces (21%), or simply had leadership that encouraged downtime (20%). It’s a telling statistic that suggests many of us aren’t just overworked — we’re overwhelmed by environments that don’t allow us to pause.

Spotting the Signs of Burnout

Burnout doesn’t always come with flashing warning signs. It creeps in — through persistent fatigue, difficulty concentrating, emotional detachment, or a feeling of being constantly “on edge.” These symptoms can be easily missed or brushed aside as part of a busy schedule.

But when workers are skipping breaks, working through lunch, and feeling guilty about stepping away for five minutes, it’s time for both employers and employees to take notice.

Culture Change Starts at the Top

While COS’s findings may prompt some companies to consider installing plants and beanbags, the real issue goes deeper. Changing break habits isn’t just about having a nice lounge area — it’s about leadership modelling healthy behaviour and embedding recovery time into the rhythm of the workday.

Meeting-free blocks, reasonable expectations around response times, and visible support for downtime are powerful tools that don’t cost a cent. As Amie Lyone explains, “These don’t have to be big, costly changes — small steps can go a long way in helping people recharge and perform at their best.”

The Bigger Picture

Ultimately, the COS study isn’t just about breaks — it’s about whether Australian workplaces are designed with human limits in mind. If the cost of skipping lunch is long-term disengagement or burnout, then even the busiest schedule isn’t worth the price.

As hybrid work continues to blur the lines between home and office, perhaps it’s time we stop glorifying the non-stop worker and start celebrating those who know when to stop, breathe, and reset.

Because sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is walk away from your desk. Even for five minutes.

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