Burnout in Morocco: A Silent Reality Revealed by Unprecedented Study
Self-development coach Dina Lahlou has launched an investigation that reveals the extent of the suffering experienced by managers and professionals due to chronic burnout, exacerbated by the absence of psychological protection within institutions.
A new study conducted by Lahlou, an executive coach specializing in a holistic approach and an expert on burnout, has uncovered alarming figures concerning the mental and emotional health of professionals in Morocco, including executives, officials, and entrepreneurs. This research is one of the first initiatives to seriously open the discussion on this sensitive topic, which remains a “taboo” in the Moroccan workplace.
The study surveyed over 160 executives and managers from various sectors, revealing that:
- 82% of respondents have personally experienced burnout or know someone close to them who has,
- 62% confirmed they have lived through this experience themselves,
- 71% did not receive any psychological support or preventive measures from their organizations.
These figures expose a troubling professional reality that cannot be ignored, particularly given the serious health repercussions associated with this phenomenon, such as physical exhaustion, sleep disorders, anxiety, and unexplained chronic pain.
Lahlou warns against the misconception that views burnout as a personal weakness, emphasizing that it is fundamentally a “clear warning from the body and the entire professional system.” She adds, “Burnout is merely a reflection of deep imbalances in our lifestyle and the organization of our work environment.”
In developed countries, this issue is receiving the attention it deserves. In France, for example, mental health disorders have become the leading cause of prolonged work absences, accounting for 24.5% in 2023. Although there is a lack of official data in Morocco, the absence of numbers does not imply the problem is nonexistent.
This campaign aligns with the royal directives aimed at building a comprehensive and equitable developmental model. Lahlou emphasizes that protecting workers’ mental health is not a luxury but a fundamental requirement to ensure sustained performance and bolster development.
Individuals who lead projects and contribute to economic and social transformation exhaust their energies without adequate protection for their mental and emotional well-being. Ultimately, they represent the true capital of any institution and, indeed, any country.
This initiative aims to encourage various stakeholders—institutions, administrations, media, and civil society—to recognize that health in the workplace is a collective responsibility and a national priority. The solution lies in a preventive and holistic approach that treats individuals as complete beings, not merely as tools for production.
Lahlou states: “Every advancement achieved by Morocco is carried on the shoulders of dedicated individuals who love their profession and their country. They give a lot—sometimes more than their capacity—but their mental health remains marginalized, and this must change.”
