Burnout Crisis: Sandwich Generation Struggles

A new anti-burnout club has been established to support the "sandwich generation," a demographic increasingly burdened by the demands of work, childcare, and eldercare. Bex Spiller, from Heathfield, East Sussex, founded the initiative, which offers workshops and online resources across the South East. She notes that the strain is significantly impacting individuals' mental health and poses challenges for businesses regarding staff retention.

Spiller describes burnout as a state of utter depletion, distinct from stress, with symptoms like chronic exhaustion and emotional reactivity. She advocates for a societal shift to better support these individuals, acknowledging the immense pressure they face. As public services are strained, more families are stepping in to provide care, a situation exemplified by Bex Hamilton in Kent.

Hamilton, caring for her parents with Parkinson's disease and stroke recovery while running a business and raising three children, understands the overwhelming nature of this role. Drawing on her background as a design researcher, she is developing "green rooms," spaces designed to promote calm through natural elements, with the aim of influencing future office designs and providing a sanctuary for well-being.