When burnout was listed as the number one challenge facing women founders and business leaders in Women’s Agenda’s 2025 insights report, Ruth Limkin saw it as a clear indicator that something needs to shift.
The national insights report, published in partnership with CommBank, collected responses from more than 1,300 women business leaders and founders. It found 63% of respondents cited burnout as a top challenge, ahead of the cost of doing business, staffing and sourcing clients.
Previous research from Women’s Agenda echoes the sentiment, finding 72% of Australian women believe they may have experienced burnout in the past 12 months. Taken together, it shows that burnout, once considered a personal wellbeing issue, may also be a business risk.
The World Health Organisation defines burnout as a ‘syndrome’ conceptualised as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It typically includes three dimensions:
- Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion
- Increased mental distance from one’s job
- Feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one's job
- Reduced professional efficacy
A hidden crisis facing women in business
Ruth Limkin is the Founder and CEO of The Banyans Healthcare, an organisation that provides residential and day treatment programs for individuals experiencing mental health issues, chronic stress and burnout. She says she’s not surprised by Women’s Agenda’s recent findings on burnout, especially as the demands on business leaders and founders continue to increase in an uncertain economic climate.
Limkin says that of the inquiries The Banyans receives, around 70% are from women.
“When you talk to someone from the general public, they're surprised by that,” Limkin says. “[But] anyone who is a woman in business is not surprised by that at all.”
Limkin says the pressures facing women in business are only increasing – and it’s leading to high rates of burnout.
“We know that the pressures [on businesses] are not abating,” Limkin says. “They're increasing. Life is getting more complex, and business is getting, I would say, significantly harder.”
“When people are unwell, they're not performing at the level that they want to, or that the organisation wants them to, and we know that the cost of mental health concerns, which I would include burnout in, is significant.”
Limkin’s practical tips
Limkin says there are plenty of practical steps women can take to mitigate burnout every day and emphasises that small, consistent actions can have a real impact over time.
Step 1: Get your support squad in place
Limkin’s first tip for women navigating business leadership or ownership is, “Don’t do it alone”.
Overwhelm can lead to a position of social isolation, Limkin says, where many may feel unable to talk to colleagues or acquaintances about the load their carrying. It can be hard to find the right support, but Limkin says it’s key to not underestimate the power of the right people.
Whether it’s friends, a GP who knows you well, an online counsellor or psychologist, start thinking about who may be right for you.
“Trying to do it alone can actually make the problem significantly worse,” Limkin says. “Even if they don't have all the answers, simply the fact of that social support and that emotional connection helps.”
Step 2: Start with the simple things
Small changes can add up to big results.
Prioritise decisions to improve rest and recovery, like getting a better night’s sleep. This might involve reducing alcohol and caffeine intake in the hours before bed, Limkin says.
“I know it sounds really simple…but even if it doesn't change anything about your day-to-day, you will be more emotionally and physically able to face challenges if you’ve had a better sleep,” Limkin says.
“We know that alcohol and caffeine can disrupt our sleep.”
Carving out time for a proper lunch break and getting outside to find green space, could also be beneficial.
Limkin says implementing small, sustainable strategies can shift the dial and turn down the temperature of what you’re experiencing.
