The days of glorifying nonstop work may be numbered. According to Monster’s September 2024 survey, the majority of workers across generations agree that hustle culture does more harm than good—citing burnout, health issues, and declining well-being as key concerns.

Hustle Culture Leads to Burnout and Health Issues

While “hustling” was once seen as a badge of honor, today’s workers largely view it as unsustainable.

  • 80% of Millennials say hustle culture leads to burnout and/or health issues—the highest of any generation.
  • 69% of Gen X, 60% of Gen Z, and 54% of Baby Boomers agree.

Across the board, workers are calling out hustle culture as unnecessary and harmful to well-being, with 68% of Millennials and 54% of Gen Z saying it’s no longer worth the toll it takes.

Meanwhile, more than half of every generation views hustle culture as an outdated approach to working, signaling a cultural shift toward balance and sustainability in the workplace.

Older Workers Still Hustling the Most

Despite growing resistance to overwork, Baby Boomers self-report hustling more than any other generation.

  • 30% say they feel pressure to work long hours every day—including weekends.
  • 34% admit to working through the day without taking all their allotted breaks.

This suggests that while attitudes toward hustle culture are changing, old habits die hard—especially for employees who came of age in more traditional work environments.

Work-Life Balance Takes Priority

When asked what they value most in an employer, workers across generations overwhelmingly chose work-life balance over hustle culture.

  • 64% of Millennials, 55% of Gen X, 49% of Baby Boomers, and 45% of Gen Z said they’d rather work for a company that prioritizes balance than one that rewards constant hustle.

Other top priorities include career growth, innovative work, and team collaboration, while very few workers—just 5% across most generations—believe hustling is essential for career advancement.

Generational Shift Away from the Grind

Monster’s data reveals a clear generational trend: younger workers are leading the call for healthier, more balanced workplaces.

  • 68% of Millennials and 54% of Gen Z say hustle culture is unnecessary and potentially harmful to overall well-being.
  • 57% of Millennials and 43% of both Gen Z and Gen X call it outdated. Even among Baby Boomers, long associated with traditional work ethics, nearly half (46%) say hustle culture harms well-being.

The Future of Work: Balance Over Burnout

As work-life balance becomes the new benchmark for success, employers that continue to push hustle culture risk losing talent to companies that prioritize mental health, flexibility, and fulfillment.

Employees today aren’t rejecting hard work—they’re rejecting burnout. Companies that listen and adapt will build stronger, more sustainable teams for the future of work.

Ready to find a workplace that supports your well-being? Create your free profile at Monster.com and explore jobs that value balance over burnout.

Methodology:

This poll was conducted by Monster in September 2024 among over 1,000 U.S. workers across industries and experience levels. Respondents were asked about their experiences with misleading job descriptions, employer transparency, and personal honesty during the application process. The survey reflects the perspectives of employed and job-seeking individuals in the United States, offering insights into both candidate and employer behaviors in today’s labor market.

 

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Vicki Salemi Career Advice Expert

Vicki Salemi is a nationally recognized career expert who helps professionals navigate the hiring landscape and find the right fit on Monster. With over 15 years of experience in corporate recruiting and HR, she offers expert guidance on job search strategies, interview preparation, and career development to help candidates land their next role.

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