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In Japanese, the word \\u201ckaroshi\\u201d translates to \\u201cdeath by overwork.\\u201d As reports of workplace burnout have skyrocketed since the pandemic, it\\u2019s a phrase that aptly encapsulates a feeling that thousands of workers have experienced over the past year. But the issue is neither temporary nor solely catalyzed by the pandemic; instead, we face a long-term health risk with rippling impacts.

This is the argument put forth by Jennifer Moss, a journalist and author of the forthcoming book \\u201cThe Burnout Epidemic: The Rise of Chronic Stress and How We Can Fix It.\\u201d Moss notes that while burnout has been experienced \\u201csince building the pyramids,\\u201d there is something distinct about the current wave of workplace stress plaguing our offices. Technology, a pandemic, and a productivity-oriented work culture have combined to create the perfect storm, she says. \\u201cCrisis exacerbates an existing problem. Then what happens is it explodes,\\u201d Moss explains. What\\u2019s more, she says, it is not something that can be addressed simply by \\u201cdownstream\\u201d efforts like office yoga sessions or even a paid week off. Rather, Moss argues, it requires fundamental, institutional change that prioritizes stress prevention over management.