The emphasis on productivity has led to more people developing chronic stress and burnout, while their chances of developing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, heart disease and hypertension (high blood pressure) grow higher. Medical officer Dr Wee Hui Yin observes that patients rarely mention “burnout”, but they frequently show signs of stress during their medical consultations and history evaluation sessions. “Many don’t call it burnout, but it appears as fatigue, irritability, sleep issues, and lower tolerance at work and home,” she notes. “Stress also causes inflammation and stiffening of the arteries, which helps explain why some people develop heart problems even without obvious risk factors,” says Dr Wee. Dr Wee also notes that workplace culture plays a key role in individual well-being.

Source: The Star April 12, 2026 14:01 UTC