LiveCareer Survey Finds 77% of Workers Take on Extra Duties Weekly; 93% Say It Leads to Burnout

Only 11% of workers set boundaries, as pressure to accept additional tasks fuels widespread burnout and challenges productivity.

GUAYNABO, PR, January 16, 2025—LiveCareer®, a career service dedicated to resumes and cover letters, has released its Hidden Costs and Rewards of Extra Work Report, highlighting the prevalence of extra work responsibilities in the workplace and the impact these added tasks have on employee well-being and productivity. Based on a December 2024 survey of 1,160 U.S. workers, the report uncovers the challenges workers face, from burnout to difficulty managing workload expectations, while also shedding light on the positive outcomes some workers experience.

Key insights:

• 77% of employees are asked to take on additional work beyond their job description at least weekly.
• 93% of employees experience burnout from taking on extra work.
• Only 11% say they negotiate or set boundaries.
• Strained relationships with supervisors (40%) and reduced productivity (37%) are the top negative outcomes.
• Skill development (33%) and financial rewards (32%) are the top cited benefits.

“Extra work can be a stepping stone for career growth, with many workers viewing it as an opportunity to develop valuable skills and advance professionally,” said Jasmine Escalera, career expert for LiveCareer. “However, balancing additional tasks with core responsibilities can lead to burnout and job dissatisfaction for some, especially when expectations are unclear or unfairly distributed.”

The Prevalence of Extra Work

Extra tasks are a reality for most employees, with the majority of workers saying they are regularly asked to perform work that falls outside of their job descriptions on a weekly basis. 

• 77% of employees are asked to take on additional work beyond their job description at least weekly.
  • 36% face these requests daily.
  • 41% are asked weekly.
  • Only 3% say they are never asked to take on extra work.

Burnout Is Widespread

The majority of workers experience burnout as a direct result of taking on additional responsibilities. 

• 93% of employees experience burnout from taking on extra work.
  • 59% frequently feel burned out from not saying no to extra responsibilities.
  • 34% occasionally experience burnout due to taking on extra work.

Reactions to Requests for Extra Work

When asked to take on extra tasks, most employees feel pressured to say yes, even when it may conflict with their workload or personal boundaries. 

• 56% of employees feel pressured and agree reluctantly to additional tasks.
• 30% accept extra work willingly.
• Only 11% set boundaries and say no to extra responsibilities.
• Just 3% decline requests.

Why Employees Say Yes

Employees take on additional responsibilities for a variety of reasons, often driven by external pressures or personal ambitions. 

• 27% cite pressure from managers or leadership.
• 24% want to seek recognition or stand out.
• 23% aim to be team players.
• 18% are motivated by career advancement opportunities.
• 8% admit they do not know how to decline extra work.

Sources of Extra Work

Requests for additional tasks come from a variety of sources:

• 23% from direct managers.
• 22% from senior leaders or vice presidents.
• 22% from coworkers.
• 21% from managers of other teams.
• 13% from HR departments.

Types of Extra Work Assigned

The additional responsibilities employees are asked to take on span a wide range of tasks, often extending beyond their core job functions. Employees reported being asked to take on:

• 37% planning or coordinating workplace events.
• 37% administrative duties.
• 34% of tasks are typically handled by another department.
• 32% overtime.
• 29% of tasks are from unfilled positions.
• 28% mentoring or training colleagues.
• 28% covering for absent coworkers.

Positive Outcomes

While taking on extra work presents challenges, many employees recognize significant benefits that can contribute to their personal and professional growth. These outcomes highlight how additional responsibilities, when managed effectively, can create valuable opportunities:

• 33% report skill development as a key benefit.
• 32% experience financial rewards like bonuses or raises.
• 31% form closer relationships with colleagues.
• 31% see opportunities for career advancement.

Negative Outcomes

However, employees face significant drawbacks when taking on extra work, particularly with their supervisor relationships and productivity levels:

• 40% experience strained relationships with supervisors.
• 37% report reduced productivity.
• 34% feel lower job satisfaction.
• 32% are concerned about setting unrealistic expectations for future performance.

Perceptions of Fairness and Compensation

Many employees view their extra responsibilities as essential to organizational success, with most feeling adequately rewarded for their efforts. However, perceptions of fairness and the benefits of extra work vary significantly across age groups:

• 56% of employees believe the extra work they take on is critical to the business’s success.
• 90% feel fairly compensated for their additional tasks.
• Older workers (41+) are more likely to perceive task distribution as fair (75%) compared to younger workers (25 or younger, 35%).
• Older workers (36%) are the most likely to see career advancement as a positive outcome, while younger workers (19%) are less likely to experience the same benefit.

“Organizations must strike a delicate balance between assigning additional tasks to foster employee growth and avoiding overburdening their workforce,” said Escalera. “By prioritizing open communication, equitable workload distribution, and encouraging healthy boundary-setting, employers can create a workplace culture that supports professional development while maintaining sustainable productivity, employee satisfaction and long-term organizational success.”

To view the full report with more information, please visit https://www.livecareer.com/resources/the-hidden-cost-of-extra-work or contact Nathan Barber at nathan.barber@bold.com. 

Methodology:

The findings provided were gathered through a survey conducted with 1,160 American workers on December 3, 2024. Participants were asked to share their feelings on how saying "no" to additional responsibilities impacts their personal lives and mental health by responding to various question types, including yes/no questions, open-ended questions, scale-based questions gauging agreement levels, and questions that permitted the selection of multiple options from a list of answers.

About LiveCareer

LiveCareer is the premier career site empowering job seekers to find their path to professional success. Since 2005, LiveCareer has helped over 10 million workers worldwide by offering information, expert guidance, and support to boost their chances of finding a job in less time. This includes providing job seekers with resume templates that can help them build stronger resumes and cover letters. LiveCareer’s extensive suite of career resources also includes interview prep tools and original content to help candidates navigate their job search and target their chosen career path. Stay connected with LiveCareer's latest updates on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

After nearly two years of consultations, the federal government announced last week that healthcare practitioners other than doctors, such as nurse practitioners, pharmacists and midwives, can provide medically necessary care and it will be covered by the public healthcare system. 

The changes, which take effect on April 1, 2026, mean more people will have access to care, helping to alleviate pressure on walk-in clinics and emergency rooms. 

Mr. Jankowski warmly welcomed the federal health minister’s decision because it helped to clarify the Canada Health Act and opened the door to the private sector playing a bigger role in helping to improve Canada’s healthcare system with public tax dollars. 

With that said, he is worried about where the provinces will find the funds to pay for the new services, and is concerned existing services could suffer if provinces shift money to fund them. 

My Honest Review of the Oura Ring

As a fitness enthusiast and coach, I’m always on the lookout for tools to optimize performance and recovery. I’ve been using the Oura Ring, and here’s my honest take on its pros and cons. I have had mine for a little over a year. It was originally a gift from a friend who said it is better than the WHOOP. So he gifted me one to prove it to me.

Pros

• Exceptional Sleep Tracking: The sleep insights are incredibly detailed and accurate. It’s been a game-changer in helping me understand my sleep patterns and recovery.
• Real-Time HR Monitoring: I love the real-time heart rate feature—it’s helpful for tracking stress and overall health metrics throughout the day.
• Focus on Holistic Health: The ring gives great indicators for sleep, stress, and readiness, which are vital for maintaining balance, even for athletes like me.
• Sleek Design: It’s discreet and stylish, which makes it easy to wear all day.

Cons

• Battery Life: My ring dies every 3–4 days, which feels a bit short for a device designed for continuous wear.
• Durability: I chose the black ring, and I’ve noticed the surface wearing off over time. If you’re considering this ring, you might want to opt for a different finish to avoid the same issue.
• Limited Activity Recognition: Unlike the Whoop or Apple Watch, the Oura Ring doesn’t automatically recognize or prompt for activities, which can be frustrating for tracking workouts.
• App Experience: The app could use a redesign. It feels a bit jumbled, and finding specific stats isn’t as intuitive as it could be.
• Target Audience: While it’s great for the average person, it feels more general in its approach and less tailored to athletes who need more granular activity tracking.

Final Thoughts
The Oura Ring is a solid choice if you’re looking to optimize sleep and stress management. It’s not perfect—especially for someone with a high-performance lifestyle—but it’s a great tool for gaining insights into your overall health.

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Let me know your thoughts if you decide to get one! 😊

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Managing Alcohol for Physique Enhancement

Alcohol presents a unique challenge when it comes to achieving fitness and physique goals. Some choose to cut it out completely, while others adopt a more moderate approach. Here’s what you need to know and how you can enjoy alcohol responsibly without sabotaging your progress.

Train It Right Tip

When you drink alcohol, your body prioritizes burning and detoxifying it over other energy sources. This means:

• Fat burning slows down or stops entirely.
• Carb and nutrient absorption is delayed.
• Any food consumed alongside alcohol is more likely to be stored as fat.

To reduce the impact, eat only protein when drinking alcohol, or avoid eating altogether.

The Downsides of Alcohol

1. Triggers Cravings and Poor Choices
   Alcohol often leads to unhealthy cravings and overeating, creating a perfect storm for fat gain.
2. Delays Detoxification and Recovery
   Excessive drinking can take days to clear from your system, limiting your ability to recover and train effectively.
3. Disrupts Sleep
   Alcohol can severely impact your sleep quality, which is critical for recovery and overall progress.
4. Reduces Hormonal Health
   Heavy drinking lowers testosterone levels, which is crucial for muscle building and fat loss in both men and women.

Finding the Middle Ground

While eliminating alcohol is ideal, you can still enjoy the occasional drink while working towards your goals. Here’s how to minimize the damage:

• Limit Consumption:
  Stick to 2-3 drinks max (closer to 2 for women) to avoid significant negative effects.
• Choose Low-Carb Options:
  Opt for drinks like red wine, dry white wine, or diet-mixed beverages (e.g., rum and diet coke). Avoid high-carb or sugary drinks.
• Adjust Calorie Intake:
  Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram. Account for the calories in your drinks by reducing your food intake earlier in the day.

Proactive Strategies for Drinking

Before Drinking:

• Stick to a protein-only diet for the day to create a calorie “buffer.” Avoid fats and carbs until you start drinking.

While Drinking:

• Avoid eating carbs and fats to minimize fat storage.
• Keep hydrated with water in between drinks.

After Drinking:

• Train HARD the next day to accelerate detoxification.
• Reduce your carb intake by half the day after consuming more than 2-3 drinks.
• Eat leafy greens and hydrate well over the following days to support detox pathways.

Stay Smart and Balanced

While alcohol isn’t optimal for physique enhancement, occasional moderate consumption won’t derail your progress if handled thoughtfully. By planning ahead and making smarter choices, you can enjoy yourself while staying on track with your fitness goals.

You can still have fun—just be strategic about it!

Need specific help, training programs or nutrition advice? www.trainitright.com/contact

4 Benefits of Electrolytes

As a coach and kinesiologist, I often emphasize the importance of proper hydration and nutrition for optimal performance. One essential aspect of this is ensuring adequate electrolyte intake. Electrolytes—including sodium chloride, magnesium, and potassium—are minerals with an electrical charge that play a crucial role in our overall health. Here’s how they can benefit you:

Hydration:

Sodium plays a vital role in hydration—where sodium goes, water follows. Many people focus solely on drinking plain water but neglect electrolytes, which are essential for retaining hydration and maintaining balanced cell function. If you’re drinking plenty of water but still experiencing headaches or fatigue, it might be time to incorporate electrolytes into your routine. I also suggest aiming for 3-4L of water per day to ensure you’re staying properly hydrated.

On my coaching site, Train It Right, I often recommend personalized hydration strategies to help clients stay energized and perform at their best. By adding the right electrolytes to your plan, we can ensure your body functions optimally.

Stress Management:

Stress can wreak havoc on your body, and electrolytes, especially magnesium, are key to managing its effects. Known as the “anti-stress mineral,” magnesium helps regulate the body’s stress response. For my clients navigating high-stress periods, I often incorporate magnesium-rich foods and supplements to support their overall well-being.

Headache & Brain Fog Relief:

Headaches and brain fog can often be linked to an electrolyte imbalance. Magnesium and potassium are particularly helpful for addressing these issues. Through my coaching programs, I provide tailored recommendations to ensure you’re meeting your electrolyte needs, improving both mental clarity and physical performance.

Bloat Support:

Bloating can be frustrating, especially when it’s tied to hormonal shifts. Electrolytes can help by reducing water retention. I recommend options with lower sodium for those experiencing bloating during specific phases of their cycle. Together, we can create a plan that keeps you feeling light and confident.

Let’s Optimize Your Nutrition

Electrolytes are a vital part of achieving your fitness and health goals. If you’re ready to take your performance to the next level, let’s work together to customize a plan that meets your unique needs. Visit Train It Right to learn more about my coaching services and how I can help you train smarter, not harder.

Unlock Your Fitness Potential with Legion Supplements

As a dedicated coach, IFBB Pro, and kinesiologist, I’ve always prioritized finding the best tools to help myself and my clients achieve our fitness goals. That’s why I’m thrilled to partner with Legion Supplements, a company that aligns with my mission to support health, performance, and longevity.

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Legion Supplements has become an integral part of my daily routine and the programs I design for my clients. I’m confident it can do the same for you. Let’s take your fitness journey to the next level together—starting today.

If you have any questions about which products are right for you, feel free to reach out! I’m here to help you train it right.

A huge thank you to GoFit for sending me the Revolve Roller! Over the past few weeks, I’ve been using it regularly, and I’m absolutely loving the results. It’s been a game-changer for my recovery, helping me target tight muscles and improve mobility with ease. I’m so grateful for this amazing addition to my routine and highly recommend it to anyone looking to level up their recovery game. Thanks again, GoFit, for creating such an innovative and effective product!

Watch me try it out HERE!

This revolutionary roller lets YOU customize your recovery. Check out the Benefits of Foam Rolling + A Game-Changing Upgrade!

Foam rolling isn’t just a fitness trend it is a powerful tool for recovery and performance. Here’s why you should make it a part of your routine with the new GOFIT roller:

✨ Improves Circulation: Enhances blood flow, delivering nutrients and oxygen to your muscles.
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How It Works:
Slide rings on and off to create limitless configurations tailored to YOUR needs. From pre-workout warm-ups to post-workout recovery, it’s the ultimate recovery tool!

Huge thanks to GoFit Fitness Equipment for sending me this innovative roller to review and try!