BURNOUT SYNDROME IN WOMEN WORKING SHIFT WORK: HEALTH IMPACTS AND CHALLENGES FOR LABOR PROTECTION

Abstract

This study analyzes Burnout Syndrome in women working under shift regimes, focusing on the social, legal, and institutional aspects that increase their vulnerability. The research adopts a qualitative and descriptive approach, based on bibliographic, documentary, and normative review to understand the factors that expose these workers to occupational exhaustion, especially in contexts marked by gender inequality and task overload. Recognized as an occupational disease since 2022 by the World Health Organization (WHO), Burnout presents multifactorial characteristics and has increasingly affected women. Between 2023 and 2025, they accounted for 63.8% of mental health-related leave in Brazil. Symptoms such as physical and emotional exhaustion, insomnia, pain, irritability, and a sense of failure reflect not only individual suffering but also a broader context of female labor undervaluation and lack of inclusive organizational policies. Despite legal advances, such as the recognition of Burnout and the provision of rights like job stability and social benefits, women face barriers including difficulties in proving work-related causes and slow administrative processes. The study also highlights the need for gender-sensitive public policies and the implementation of humane corporate practices, such as Occupational Risk Management (GRO), active listening, and continuous psychological support. The study concludes that addressing Burnout requires intersectoral and multidisciplinary actions that connect public health, labor rights, and gender equity, fostering healthy and inclusive work environments as a foundation for social justice and the dignity of working women.