Australia’s tech and GTM professionals are powering an industry that never sleeps — bringing ideas to life faster than ever before. But with constant connectivity, evolving technology, and global collaboration now part of daily life, many across Australia and the broader APAC region are rethinking what balance and wellbeing look like in a sector that never truly switches off.

The reality across Australia and APAC

The conversation around workplace wellbeing in tech is growing louder — and the data backs it up:

• One in five Australians experience a mental disorder each year, with anxiety the most common. (ABS, 2023)
• Psychological injury claims have risen almost 37% since 2017, with “work pressure” and “harassment” the top causes. (Safe Work Australia)
• Across APAC’s technology workforce, burnout rates average 52%, and nearly half of workers say they feel constantly reachable. (Dexian APAC Tech Workforce Report, 2024)

We love the pace, innovation, and opportunity that come with working in tech — but maintaining wellbeing in this environment is becoming just as critical as technical performance.

What’s driving the pressure?

Remote and hybrid work blurred the boundaries between home and office. Flexibility came at a cost — isolation, digital fatigue, and the sense that the day never ends.

AI and automation created both opportunity and anxiety. Rapid advances are reshaping roles faster than people can adapt, leaving many to wonder how their careers will evolve.

Global collaboration means late-night calls, constant notifications, and “just one more message” habits that eat into rest and recovery time — a common challenge for APAC-based tech professionals supporting international teams.

What can help?

• Model real boundaries – Leaders who genuinely switch off give their teams permission to do the same.
• Normalise open conversation – Discuss workload and mental load as openly as performance metrics.
• Design smarter, not slower – Use technology to remove friction, not humanity.

These actions support performance and retention — two areas where forward-thinking tech employers are investing heavily.

Why this matters for tech hiring

As specialists in tech recruitment across APAC, Kaliba has seen firsthand how culture and wellbeing impact hiring outcomes. October marks Mental Health Month — a reminder that behind every great innovation are people managing the pressures of pace, change, and connection. In tech, where “always on” can easily become “never off,” acknowledging those pressures isn’t just good leadership — it’s smart hiring.

Employers who recognise and support mental health attract stronger candidates and retain them longer.

For job seekers in tech, partnering with a recruiter who understands today’s market realities — from hybrid work expectations to AI-driven job shifts — makes all the difference in finding the right fit.

Sustaining innovation starts with supporting the people behind it. And in a world that’s always on, knowing when to switch off might just be the smartest move of all.

FAQ from the Tech Sector

1. Why does burnout matter when hiring in the tech sector?

Burnout affects productivity, retention, and team culture — all of which directly impact hiring outcomes. For employers in Australia and APAC, understanding the pressures on tech professionals helps shape realistic role expectations and improve candidate engagement.

2. How is AI influencing both jobs and wellbeing in tech?

AI is transforming the types of roles tech professionals pursue, while also creating new stressors around adaptation and job security. Recruitment specialists like Kaliba help bridge that gap by guiding both employers and candidates through this evolving landscape.

3. How can recruitment partners support wellbeing in tech teams?

A specialist tech recruitment agency in APAC does more than fill roles — it advises on market trends, workload balance, and sustainable growth. At Kaliba, our focus is on connecting companies and professionals who align not just in skillset, but in culture and balance.

Reach out to the Kaliba team to discuss your hiring or career needs in tech or GTM. We're all about #ConnectingTechPeople!