"In May 2025, Lenny Rachitsky published survey results from over 8,200 tech workers. Design and research roles had the highest burnout rates in the entire sample: 24% and 23%, respectively. Higher than Engineering. Higher than Product."
"The most referenced design career ladders in the industry were written by design managers and VPs, published openly, and copied across the field. Figma's career levels were built internally by the design management team."
"In Intercom's PM career ladder, collaboration is almost entirely operational: Collaborates effectively, reacts well to feedback, and removes barriers that slow people down. Even the emotional language that shows up is tied to being consistent and predictable."
In May 2025, survey results revealed that design and research roles had the highest burnout rates among tech workers, at 24% and 23%, respectively. Contributing factors include AI, layoffs, and company undervaluation of design. However, internal frameworks created by the design community also play a significant role. Commonly referenced career ladders emphasize Craft, Strategy, Impact, and Collaboration, with collaboration often prioritized. This focus on operational collaboration may overlook the emotional and supportive aspects necessary for designer well-being, leading to increased burnout.
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