‘Give us a break': Aussies want more time off

News.com.au

5 days ago

An extra day off could help with Australia's burnout crisis as new research reveals almost half of Aussies have taken a 'wellness sickie' to combat the issue.
Burnout is not a virus or a bacterial infection, but something equally insidious and potentially just as devastating.
Simply, burnout is a state of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion.
The World Health Organisation describes it as phenomenon that arises from chronic workplace stress that leaves people feeling exhausted and completely depleted of energy, which can lead to depression and anxiety.
According to Mental Health Australia, an alarming 61 per cent reported experiencing burnout in 2023, compared to the global average of 48 per cent with the statistics revealing Aussies to have the highest burnout rates in the world.
In fact, Mudgee Region Tourism today revealed almost half (47 per cent) of Aussies have taken sick leave for a personal break or getaway at least once.
As such, 72 per cent want more public holidays as one way to help combat the issue.
The organisation partnered with Pure Profile to conduct the research in June 2025, surveying more than 1000 Australians.
'These results weren't surprising to us,' Beau Kassis, chief marketing officer of Mudgee Region Tourism told news.com.au.
'We know Aussies are more stressed and burnt out than ever. Public holidays, particularly long weekends are one of the few guaranteed moments in the year we get a well-deserved break.'
The tourism board has today launched a petition calling for a 'Mudgee Monday' - a proposed new public holiday for NSW, aimed at fighting burnout, supporting mental health, and levelling the long weekend playing field between states.
Its research revealed 57 per cent of Aussies believe that an extra-long weekend each year would reduce burnout and stress.
'Give us a break'
'The Mudgee Region is calling on NSW residents to sign the petition and encourage Premier Chris Minns to give us the break we deserve – namely, a Mudgee Monday,' he told news.com.au.
'Towns like Mudgee, Gulgong, Kandos and Rylstone are becoming more than just a nice option - we're part of the wellbeing solution. This isn't just about a day off; it's about taking rest before wreckage, even if just for a long weekend.'
He said, interestingly, the tourism board's latest research shows Aussies want to also even the playing field when it comes to standardising public holidays across the country.
New South Wales, alongside Western Australia, receive just 11 public holidays a year compared to Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia with up to 13 - and Tasmania having the fewest at 10.
'This is why we're calling on the premier to even the stakes and give NSW residents an extra public holiday,' Mr Kassis said.
'We need to start thinking about time off in a more sustainable way. We can't continue to bank our annual leave for one big, expensive (and exhausting) holiday each year.'
He said small towns like Mudgee, Gulgong, Kandos and Rylstone remind us how travel is meant to be – slow, unhurried, and deeply personal.
'This style of authentic travel offers a refined refuge from the relentless pace of modern life,' he said.
'Adding a day to the weekend a few times a year may seem like a small solution – but the benefits of slowing down in regions like ours for three days instead of two will drive a big impact.'
Dr Anastasia Hronis, a leading clinical psychologist and researcher, is also backing the campaign, advocating for policy that puts mental health and wellbeing at the forefront of legislative discussions.
'It is a wonderful initiative to help Australians see our beautiful countryside while enjoying some much needed rest and recovery from the grind of daily life and work,' she told news.com.au.
Burnout is only 'getting worse'
Dr Hronis said burn out is an issue that's only getting worse, adding she's not surprised 72 per cent of Aussies want an extra day off.
'Some industries are more affected than others, for example, those working in the healthcare industry, in education, and in agriculture,' Dr Hronis told news.com.au.
According to Mental Health Australia, 40 per cent of Australian workers across all sectors report experiencing burnout, with healthcare professionals being particularly vulnerable.
The organisation revealed a staggering 84 per cent of healthcare workers reported symptoms of burnout in 2022, a figure that has remained consistently high since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
She explained rates of burnout and work stress are at record highs and that 'sometimes, a single extra day, like a 'Mudgee Monday', can make a big difference when it comes to how we feel - at work and at home'.
'I see many people who come for psychological consultations because they are feeling stressed, overwhelmed and burnt out,' Dr Hronis said.
'It's becoming increasingly common, and often contributes to other difficulties like poor sleep, weight concerns and even substance abuse.'
She said the reasons are varied, but some of the main contributors include work-related pressures, financial worries, uncertainty and change due to global events, and constant digital distractions.
'That's why getting away, even just for a weekend, to places like the Mudgee Region can help provide a circuit breaker. Slowing down in a peaceful environment can support recovery and stress management in a really powerful way.
'Excessive workloads, increased expectations from workers, poor work-life balance, economic and job insecurity, and a digital overload all contribute to why we are seeing higher and higher rates of burnout.'
Dr Hronis said the desire for more public holidays makes sense given how much people are struggling with work stress and burnout..
'Time off is essential for our mental health, allowing us to recharge, connect with loved ones, and enjoy life outside of work,' she said.
'More public holidays could really boost national wellbeing, not just by reducing stress, but by giving us all permission to slow down and prioritise what really matters.'