Summary of the study on the prevalence of burnout in the Finnish population Stress related symptoms are common among employees. Over 50 % of the workforce experience some kind of burnout symptoms. About 25 % of Finns feel extremely tired due to work. About 7 % of employees suffer severe burnout so severe that it characterised by exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced professional efficiency. Altogether 165 000 employees suffer from severe burnout. The risk of burnout is about double in organisations that have laid off personnel and which do not hire replacements. The risk of burnout is even higher in organisations in which workers live under a continuous threat of dismissal. Burnout is more common among those working more than 55 hours per week. Women, ageing workers, and the less educated are more prone to burnout. The changes in society are reflected in the burnout levels in different sectors. The burnout problem is most severe in the banking and insurance sectors, in teaching, industry, and agriculture. Burnout is a significant predictor of sickness absence due to other illnesses. The risk of increased early retirement because of burnout and the related decrease of working ability are major problems.

Third, changes in the labour market, the effects of long-term unemployment, and greater stress at work may be reflected in the increased incidence of mental health disorders.10 The 1990s were a decade of significant change in the Finnish labour market. This has affected the mental wellbeing of the Finnish workforce and may be reflected in the increased occurrence of depression. The recession experienced by all Western economies hit Finland particularly hard in the early 1990s. The private and public sectors reacted to the sudden downturn with restrictive policies; companies were merged and downsized; and the unemployment rate skyrocketed to nearly 17 % at its peak in 1994. Though the unemployment rate has been improving slowly, it was still relatively high at 10.2 % in 1999.¹¹ The structure of production, labour utilisation, and types of available jobs continue to be in transition.

In terms of the structure of production, some jobs are disappearing and new ones are being created. Traditionally secure jobs are being displaced by temporary fixed or short-term contracts,¹² which are becoming more prevalent, especially in less skilled jobs. Job descriptions vary a lot and workers are expected to be flexible. Short periods of unemployment are becoming normal transition periods in a worker's career.¹³ Job insecurity has become a relatively permanent state for an increasing number of employees. It negatively affects job attitudes, work behaviour, psychological health, and stress levels. Job insecurity can operate as a long-lasting job stressor, result in reduced wellbeing, and decrease the quality of human relations and workplace efficiency.¹⁴ Women appear to be more vulnerable to the effects of job insecurity, which can increase exhaustion and negatively impact home life.