Shift Sulking: The Workplace Trend Where Exhausted Professionals Clock In

• Shift sulking describes employees who are physically present but emotionally disengaged and exhausted at work.
• It's often an early indicator or manifestation of burnout, a syndrome of emotional and physical exhaustion from unmanaged workplace stress.
• Burnout develops when persistent work stress overwhelms coping resources, leading to emotional detachment and self-doubt.
• Younger workers (Gen Z and millennials) are particularly susceptible to stress and burnout, feeling overwhelmed and disillusioned.
• Addressing shift sulking requires structural support, honest communication, and prioritizing worker well-being to combat chronic stress.