Younger workers are most at risk of “widespread” burnout across the charity sector, a survey is warning.

The survey by recruiter CharityJob found that among all charities workers almost two in five say they often or always feel burned out.

This rises to over two in five among millennials in the sector.

In comparison feelings of burnout are less pronounced among older workers, with just over a third of those in Generation X and a little over one in four Baby Boomers often or always feeling emotionally exhausted or burned out.

The survey also found that feelings of burnout are “widespread” across the charity sector, experienced by almost four in five of all workers at least sometimes.

The recruiter urges charities to create respectful and inclusive workplaces, focus on training opportunities and to ensure they “acknowledge burnout and encourage healthy boundaries”.

This includes being “honest about workloads and expectations, and promote cultures where boundaries are respected”.

Flexibile working arrangements are also increasingly sought by workers.

CharityJob’s survey found that hybrid working, that combines office and remote options, is "ideal" for just under two in three workers.

In comparison just under three in ten want fully remote working, while only one in 16 prefer to work in an office all week.

“Overall, our survey highlights that although there may be slight differences in priorities between generations, all respondents across the board valued flexibility, work-life balance and a positive workplace culture,” said CharityJob.

“So it’s focusing on these factors that can help employers attract top talent and increase retention.”

The survey involved the views of 2,800 charity professionals and jobseekers.

“Flexibility, wellbeing and respectful workplace cultures aren’t ‘nice to haves’, they’re core expectations,” added CharityJob co-founder Raya Wexler.

“For charity employers, understanding these changing priorities isn’t optional. It’s the key to attracting, engaging and retaining talent in a tight labour market.”

This is the latest evidence to emerge of burnout fears in the sector over the last year.

A survey released in 2025 found that charity workers in social care and support roles are particularly at risk of being "overwhelmed by the emotional demands of the work".

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