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“I remember feeling like I was constantly running on empty. No matter how hard I pushed myself at work, the exhaustion never lifted, then my performance started to slip. I was juggling too much and I was afraid of admitting that I couldn’t keep up anymore—until I learned about short-term disability insurance. It gave me the time and financial support I needed to recover from burning out.”
Burnout Is a Hidden Epidemic in the Workplace
Employee burnout has become a silent crisis. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, a staggering 77% of employees report feeling burned out at work. For many, this intense mental strain becomes a barrier to effective performance, often leading to a breakdown in their mental functioning. In fact, burnout is cited as a significant factor in job-related mental health issues and even unemployment. Yet, while burnout is clearly a growing problem, many employees are either unaware of the resources available to them or simply hesitant to use them.
Statistics from employee assistance programs (EAPs) show that these services go vastly underutilized. Shockingly, only 5% of employees access the mental health benefits available through EAPs annually, even though these programs often provide free therapy sessions, stress management training, financial support and other critical resources. It’s a major missed opportunity, especially considering that burnout can lead to long-term disability if left untreated.
Disability Insurance: An Overlooked Safety Net for Burnout
While burnout may seem like an inevitable part of working life, many don’t realize that it can qualify as a legitimate claim for disability benefits. The top disability insurance providers, including Guardian, Unum, and MetLife, have all emphasized the importance of addressing work-life balance and have recognized workplace burnout as a qualifying condition for short-term disability insurance (STD).
Guardian Life spotlights, “When employees are pushed beyond their limits, the long-term consequences aren’t just personal—they’re financial and organizational.” Both physical and mental health impairments, including those caused by work-related stress, are valid reasons to file for short-term disability benefits. Similarly, Unum points out that “burnout has become one of the leading causes of workplace stress, and the longer it goes unaddressed, the more severe its impact.”
Understanding Short-Term Disability Insurance
For those unfamiliar with the process, short-term disability insurance provides temporary income replacement to employees who are unable to work due to a medical condition—mental health conditions like burnout included. Before pursuing a claim under this condition, let’s clarify a few specifics. Burnout is NOT officially classified as a distinct medical condition in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). However, it is recognized as a significant workplace phenomenon and is often linked to other mental health conditions that are included in the DSM-5, such as Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder or Adjustment Disorder.
While burnout typically presents with emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment, it can resemble clinical conditions but DOES NOT have its own diagnostic criteria. We share this information to avoid misinformation about what burnout is and what it is not.
If you’re experiencing burnout but are unsure whether you qualify for disability insurance, it’s crucial to work closely with your mental health provider or primary care provider to assess whether your symptoms align with a DSM-5 diagnosis that can support your claim or whether other accommodations may fill in the gap.
Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
• Definition: Short-term disability insurance (STD) provides wage replacement benefits for a limited period when an employee cannot work due to illness or injury, including mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and burnout.
• Eligibility: Generally, employees must be full-time or meet their employer’s specific requirements for coverage. Burnout-related claims typically require a diagnosis from a medical professional that clearly indicates the employee’s inability to perform their job duties.
• Benefits: STD benefits typically cover 50% to 70% of an employee’s wages during the time they are unable to work. Benefits usually last anywhere from 3 to 6 months, depending on the plan. Check with your benefits to determine your coverage.
• Waiting Period: There is typically a 7 to 14-day waiting period before benefits begin, during which the employee may need to use sick days or unpaid leave.
• Cost: While many employers provide short-term disability coverage as part of a benefits package, some employees may need to purchase it independently. The average cost of a policy ranges from 1% to 3% of the employee’s annual salary.
• Other Programs: In addition to STD, long-term disability (LTD) coverage is available for more severe or prolonged health conditions. Some states also have government-mandated disability programs, like California’s SDI (State Disability Insurance), which provides additional support.
Engage and Share Your Story
Burnout is more than just feeling tired—it’s a condition that can severely impact your mental health, your livelihood, and your overall quality of life. Recognizing it as a disability is a critical step in prioritizing self-care and regaining balance.
Have you ever filed for Short-Term Disability? How would you rate the process of filing your claim? How has burnout affected you, and how did taking time away from work impact your health and well-being? If you’ve experienced burnout, have filed for short-term disability, or are thinking about it, share your thoughts in the comments below.
Sources:
U.S. Department of Labor
Guardian Life Insurance
Unum Insurance
MetLife Insurance
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