A few years ago we've had here the case of a young woman working for one of those fancy multinational companies who simply dropped dead at the office. It emerged that the poor woman was severely overworked and under a tremendous stress, which, of course, lead to commentaries about toxic corporate culture, but I don't expect much has changed.
As for the education system, there's very little respect for teachers. In fact, teachers here are picketing the government building, following the a recent decision to increase the number of weekly teaching hours, increase the number of students per class, and some pay cuts as a bonus. And, as you say, people cannot afford to say no, especially now that the economic situation here is bad and getting worse by the week. It is basically impossible to say No when you cannot afford to lose your job.
Oh! This happens so much in Japan and Korea - even people who do "hardcore" gaming sessions can have it happen to them.
The corporate world is a race to the bottom.
I read something today and I've forgotten the exact words, but it was something like - a business is only viable because its profit margins can support its inefficiencies.
Inefficiency, in my view, is what brings about burnout - the repetitious frustration of an unimproved process - documented well by employees, but with no action by the business, leads to an ever-cascading frustration, anger, and ultimately, ... burn out.
I think the only thing that has really "changed" at least in the Australian market is that there are "mental health first aid" courses that some businesses claim staff members are trained in, and of course, the Employee Assistance Programs, which provide "free" access to counsellors and psychs at some workplaces.
I had to google this "mental health first aid" concept. I was amused to discover that it's focused on increased productivity, reducing employee turnover, reducing leaves of absence... not much about the employee who is struggling... I wonder how many people dare to speak about their mental issues when it's obvious the HR will hear you're struggling - obviously you're not going to get a promotion implying more responsibilities since you cannot handle those you already have, and you might find yourself unemployed rather soon.
Of course not, its another way for business to feel good about itself and some despicable niche hunter to make a dishonest buck.
Never about addressing the root cause.
That's exactly what I was worried about! And it was one of the straws that broke me.
Where do you live? Ah, Romania. I don't know much about the education system there but I'm on the teachers side.
There was an education research guy who said class size didn't matter. Tell that to the teachers marking papers, dealing with parents and managing behavior... mind-blowing. As if teachers arent doing 60 hours weeks as it is. 8 to 5 and work at home and on wkds.... And worse for new graduates who don't have the tricks of trade to survive.
And that's people in charge of looking after and essentially raises your kids. You definitely need to make them happier!
I just don't believe the working culture needs to be like this. The product of a capitalist, individualistic society I guess. We can do better.