10 June 2025

5 Ways to Protect Your People from Burnout

5 Ways to Protect Your People from Burnout

Burnout doesn’t always look like exhaustion, sometimes it shows up as disengagement, tension, or quiet frustration. This article is for People & Culture leaders who want to create a workplace where teams can thrive, not just survive.


1. Audit Workload and Capacity

  • Check for unrealistic deadlines or back-to-back priorities

  • Look for signs of chronic overwork, like consistent overtime or skipped breaks

  • Regularly ask, "Is this sustainable?" not just "Is this possible?"


2. Create Psychological Safety

  • Encourage open conversations about pressure, fatigue and stress

  • Model vulnerability as a leader: share when you’re feeling the heat

  • Train managers to respond with empathy, not defensiveness


3. Offer Real, Practical Support

  • Provide flexibility where possible: hours, location, or delivery timelines

  • Bring in temporary support during peak periods (yes, like ODT talent!)

  • Set clear boundaries around communication outside work hours


4. Recognise the Warning Signs Early

  • Notice behaviour changes: disengagement, irritability, dropping the ball

  • Run regular check-ins focused on wellbeing, not just performance

  • Ask: "What would help you right now?"


5. Normalise Recovery, Not Hustle

  • Promote breaks, use of leave, and downtime without guilt

  • Celebrate smart work, not just hard work

  • Lead by example: recharge, reflect, and reset visibly


Want to reduce the risk of burnout and boost team wellbeing?

Our On Demand Talent service helps HR teams access skilled support fast, giving everyone the breathing room to do their best work.

Learn more about On Demand Talent support here.

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