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)



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 ...