Address Mental Health and Burnout in the Workplace

Let’s be honest: if you work in any kind of office, hybrid, or frontline setting right now, you’ve probably felt it: a heavy mix of exhaustion, stress, and the creeping sense that your “to-do” list is duplicating overnight. Burnout more common now than it’s ever been. A new study found that job burnout is at an all-time high at 66%.

A growing number of studies show that mental health concerns like stress, anxiety, and burnout are skyrocketing in the modern workplace. And while mental health has become a more open conversation, many companies are still struggling to figure out what they can do to take proper care of their employees. Return to office mandates may be contributing to this decline in workers’ mental health.

In this article, we’ll dig deeper into what burnout is and how you can address it to help the employees in your workplace.

Burnout Is More Than a Buzzword

Once seen as just a temporary side effect of “working hard,” burnout is now recognized by the World Health Organization as an occupational phenomenon. It’s not just being tired. Burnout is chronic workplace stress that hasn’t been successfully managed. It leads to feelings of energy depletion, mental distance from your job, and reduced professional effectiveness.

What’s contributing to this? It’s a combination of things:

• Constant connectivity (think about all those late-night emails)

• High performance expectations with limited resources or training

• Lack of social connection, especially with hybrid or remote teams

• Little time to pause, refuel, or even eat something during the day

And let’s not forget the “emotional labor” many employees do just to keep things running smoothly, especially those in customer service, healthcare, and other frontline roles.

Mental Health at Work: The State of Things

According to a 2024 report from Mental Health America, over 75% of employees report that workplace stress affects their mental health. Around 60% have felt overwhelmed by workload, and many say they don’t feel comfortable bringing up mental health concerns with their employers.

It’s even more pronounced for Gen Z and younger millennials, who are more likely to talk openly about their mental health but also more likely to feel the impact of workplace burnout.

The good news is that more leaders are starting to listen. Mental health benefits, EAPs (Employee Assistance Programs), mental health days, and flexible work options are increasingly common. But these solutions only go so far if we’re not addressing the everyday environment employees spend their time in. Return to office mandates may also be contributing to higher rates of burnout as employees struggle to balance their newly inflexible schedules.

Small Shifts That Make a Big Difference

Let’s zoom in for a second. Think about the average workday. It’s easy to get caught in a loop of back-to-back meetings, constant notifications, and maybe forgetting to eat lunch. Or, alternatively, you might grab a vending machine soda and power through.

This is where small shifts in workplace culture (and setup) can play a surprisingly big role.

Food is more than just fuel. It’s connection, community, and care. And that’s where Canteen comes in.

Canteen provides fresh, customizable food and beverage solutions for workplaces of all sizes. Whether it’s a micro market stocked with fresh meals, a premium coffee station, or snack options that actually support focus and well-being, Canteen’s services aren’t just convenient, they’re also a reflection of how much a company cares about its people.

It might sound simple, but providing nourishing, accessible food options on-site can:

• Encourage employees to take proper breaks

• Promote social interaction (even in hybrid workplaces)

• Improve energy and focus through better nutrition

• Send a clear message: “We see you, and we value your well-being”

The Role of Breaks in Burnout Prevention

One of the most overlooked factors in combating burnout is the chance to take a break.

We’re not talking about scrolling TikTok at your desk for 10 minutes. We mean actual, screen-free moments of pause. These moments might look like a coffee with a colleague, a walk to the snack station, or a lunch enjoyed away from your inbox.

Research consistently shows that regular breaks improve concentration, reduce decision fatigue, and even spark creativity. Yet many employees feel guilty about stepping away from their computers. That’s why creating a workplace culture that normalizes breaks is so important. And having inviting, well-stocked break areas can help make that happen naturally.

Picture this: an employee who’s been in back-to-back meetings walks into a thoughtfully designed Canteen micro market. They grab a hummus and veggie cup, a sparkling water, and chat with a teammate while the espresso machine works in the background. That 10-minute moment isn’t just a snack; it’s a reset button.

Hybrid and Remote Work: A New Kind of Burnout

Of course, we can’t talk about mental health in 2025 without addressing the hybrid elephant in the room.

Working from home has its perks, but it also creates new challenges:

• Blurred boundaries between work and home life

• Isolation or lack of team connection

• A tendency to skip breaks or overwork

That’s why companies are getting creative about bringing people together, even if it’s just a few days a week.

Offering food and beverage perks on in-office days can help make the transition smoother and more appealing. Whether it’s a breakfast bar or a cozy coffee lounge, Canteen services give people a reason to come together and a reason to look forward to their day in the office.

Nourishing the Whole Person

When we talk about mental health, it’s easy to focus on therapy apps or mindfulness programs which can be especially helpful. But nourishment is holistic.

Food affects mood and hydration impacts energy. Social interaction supports resilience. So the question becomes: how can we shape the workplace environment to nourish the whole person?

By aligning company values with employee care— through tangible experiences, not just policies— we start to create workplaces where people feel supported, not depleted.

This is why more HR teams and office managers are turning to partners like Canteen. It’s not about stocking another fridge with soda. It’s about thoughtful options, locally-sourced when possible, that show an investment in both their employees’ physical and mental health.

What Leaders Can Do Right Now

If you’re a manager, an HR professional, or a business owner, the bottom line is that your employees’ mental health isn’t just a personal issue; it’s a workplace one. Employee burnout costs organizations millions each year, primarily in reduced productivity.

Your employees’ mental wellbeing deserves just as much strategic focus as your quarterly KPIs.

Here’s where to start:

1. Listen first: Send out pulse surveys, hold small-group chats, or offer anonymous feedback channels where you can get a read on how your employees are feeling mentally.

2. Create spaces to rest and recharge: Whether it’s a wellness room or a well-stocked break area, physical space matters. Employees need areas to get rest and relaxation, and having a designated space for it helps immensely.

3. Provide food that fuels: Think beyond the cookie tray. Offer better-for-you options that nourish and energize.

4. Model boundaries: Encourage employees to take real lunches, log off on time, and talk openly about mental health.

5. Celebrate community: Use food as a vehicle to bring people together in low-pressure, inclusive ways.

A Healthier Workplace Starts With Care

Burnout isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign that the system needs some adjustment. By shifting the way we think about the everyday rhythms of work, including how we eat, rest, and connect, we can begin to build workplaces that not only perform better but also feel better.

Investing in employee well-being doesn’t require grand gestures. Sometimes, it starts with a quiet corner and a hot cup of coffee, a shared lunch and a good conversation, or a fresh snack and five minutes to breathe.

At Canteen, we believe these small moments matter, and we’re proud to partner with companies who believe it, too. When you feed your people well, they do well. And that’s good for everyone.

Interested in learning how Canteen can help you create a more unified, well-fed, and mentally healthy workplace? Get started with Canteen today.