More than half of journalists surveyed in Portugal present at least four symptoms of burnout, according to research from the Portuguese Laboratory for Healthy Work Environments accessed by news agency Lusa.
The study found that 52.9 percent of the 750 participating media professionals display at least four indicators of burnout. Authors of the report said this degree of professional exhaustion can no longer be treated as an individual problem, but must be addressed as a collective issue.
In the four weeks preceding the study, 46.3 percent of participants reported feeling physically exhausted, while 45.6 percent said they were emotionally exhausted. Researchers noted that mental health and workplace well-being indicators among journalists require particular attention.
Fewer than one third of respondents reported feeling cheerful and in good spirits most or all of the time. Only 15.9 percent said they woke up feeling fresh and rested.
Widespread isolation and workplace abuse
The investigation showed that loneliness and isolation affect a significant portion of journalists. Among those surveyed, 13.8 percent stated that they frequently or always feel isolated from others, while 12.7 percent reported feeling lonely.
The report also revealed that 12.9 percent of journalists have been targets of threats or other forms of physical or psychological abuse, including insults, sexual harassment, or professional exclusion.
Experts involved in the study argued that these findings require clear, preventive organizational responses equipped with safe reporting channels for workers.
Contractual instability and remote work conditions
Work organization emerged as one of the most critical areas in the study. Contractual stability is not guaranteed for more than one in three respondents, affecting 36.1 percent of the journalists surveyed.
Remote work was identified as one of the most valued dimensions of employment, with more than half of respondents agreeing that they have suitable conditions to work from home.
Among those who agreed they have remote work conditions, 62.7 percent reported having access to the necessary equipment, 68.1 percent considered that they perform their work better remotely, and 67.9 percent said teleworking allows them to manage their schedules more effectively.
Proposals for reform and professional commitment
Participants offered several proposals to improve work-life balance, reduce exhaustion, and enhance work quality. Suggestions included remote work options, hybrid arrangements, flexible hours, better management of days off, workload reductions, and a four-day work week.
For many journalists, workplace flexibility is no longer just a preference, but an essential condition for performing better and remaining in the profession.
Despite experiencing disenchantment with certain aspects of their work, 66.4 percent of respondents stated that they would choose the journalism profession again.
The Portuguese Laboratory for Healthy Work Environments, known as Labpats, studies the health, well-being, and working conditions of professionals. The institution contributes to the development of policies and practices designed to foster positive social impacts and long-term organizational sustainability.
