Economics and Digital Business Review
Vol. 7 No. 1 (2026)

Burnout Among Generation Z in Creative Agencies: The Role of Work-Life Balance and Workload through Job Stress

Rahmah, Adilah (Unknown)
Daud, Ilzar (Unknown)
Saputra, Pramana (Unknown)
Fauzan, Rizky (Unknown)
Syahbandi, Syahbandi (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
12 Mar 2026

Abstract

The fast-paced work environment and project-related pressures in the creative agency sector may increase the risk of burnout among Generation Z employees. This study aimed to examine the effects of work-life balance (WLB) and workload on burnout, with work stress as a mediating variable. A quantitative approach was employed using a survey of 200 Generation Z employees working in creative agencies in Indonesia, selected through purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling–Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) with SmartPLS 4. The results indicated that WLB had a negative and significant effect on work stress (β = -0.575; p < 0.001), whereas workload had a positive and significant effect on work stress (β = 0.502; p < 0.001). Workload and work stress also had positive and significant effects on burnout (β = 0.312; p < 0.01; β = 0.489; p < 0.001), while WLB did not have a significant direct effect on burnout (β = -0.124; p > 0.137). In addition, work stress mediated the relationships between WLB, workload, and burnout. These findings suggest that burnout among Generation Z employees in creative agencies is primarily shaped by work stress arising from excessive job demands, highlighting the importance of managing workload and promoting work-life balance to reduce burnout risk.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ecotal

Publisher

Subject

Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management Economics, Econometrics & Finance

Description

Economics and Digital Business Review, is published by STIE Amkop Makassar in 2020, with registered number ISSN : 2774-2563 (Online), is a peer-reviewed journal published Economics and Digital Business Review published two times a year (January & July) by STIE Amkop Makassar, It provides an academic ...