What Are Mini-Retirements and Can They Help Employee Burnout?

In this episode of Work Week, Dr. Kelly Monahan explores the rise of mini-retirements—intentional pauses early- and mid-career—and what this trend signals about growing burnout in the workforce. Drawing on data from The Upwork Research Institute and external research, we examine how Gen Z and millennial workers in particular are redesigning their careers with intentional pauses, flexibility, and freelancing. Learn how organizations can respond by prioritizing flexibility and mental health in the workplace—before burnout drives talent out the door.