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New data reveals a workforce in distress, although researchers say the symptoms may not be immediately visible to HR leaders. Results of Microsoft’s 2025 Work Trend Index signal a rise of an “infinite workday” where traditional work/life boundaries have eroded.
The high cost of interruptions
Nearly half of employees and leaders report that work feels chaotic and fragmented. But it’s not just a matter of feeling busy. According to the report, which examined the experiences of more than 30,000 knowledge workers around the world, employees are interrupted every two minutes throughout the day. That’s 275 disruptions from meetings, emails or notifications.
Additionally, one in three employees say the pace of work over the past five years has become unsustainable. By 10 p.m., nearly 29% of active workers are back in their inboxes, showing how the workday now spills into what used to be personal time.
This isn’t just about individual burnout. Microsoft researchers say the breakdown of boundaries contributes to a broader productivity decline. The most effective hours for focus—typically between 9–11 a.m. and 1–3 p.m.—are increasingly filled with meetings. Half of all meetings now occur during these peak concentration windows, leaving little time for the deep work that drives progress.
Traditional performance management
