Occupational stress and professional burnout among the Millennial generation: A scoping review
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: Millennials, born between the early 80s and the mid-90s, face distinct work-life challenges shaped by recent cultural, economic, and social shifts, leading to high levels of work-related syndromes. Some authors describe Millennials as a ‘burnout generation’. The main objective is to provide a comprehensive overview of occupational stress and professional burnout within the millennial generation. The secondary objectives are to identify how millennials are conceptualised in literature and to map the available information regarding occupational stress and professional burnout in Millennials. A scoping review was conducted between January and May 2025 using the PsycInfo, ERIC, Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Both scientific and grey literature were included. Literature reviews older than 5 years were excluded, as well as papers in non-English, French, or Spanish. 23 international publications were selected. Most are quantitative ( n = 18), followed by a qualitative ( n = 3) and a mixed-methods approach ( n = 2). 5 studies cited a theoretical framework on generations. Burnout was assessed with the Maslach Burnout Inventory - MBI ( n = 8), followed by the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory CBI ( n = 3). The remaining studies used the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory - OLBI, other work burnout scales, as well as interviews and focus groups. Studies are guided by inconsistency in the definition of millennials, heterogeneity in the definition of burnout, and overall methodological imbalance. Future research is needed through qualitative and mixed methods approach. This study lays the foundation for future research by identifying key gaps and providing a theoretical basis on millennials and work-related syndromes. • The notions of ‘Millennials’ and ‘burnout’ encompass heterogeneous definitions. • Most of selected studies do not provide a framework to conceptualise millennials. • Evidence on millennial's burnout and occupational stress is mostly quantitative. • Further research using longitudinal, qualitative, and mixed methods is needed. • Need for tailored interventions addressing work-related syndromes in millennials.
Source: Acta Psychologica
Authors: Karen Valdiviezo, Maxime Morsa
Institution: University of Liège
Language: English
Topic: Stress and Burnout Research
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,670
OpenAlex ID: W7130858293