How Burnout Affects Employee Wellbeing

Overwork is often mistaken for commitment—but what if it’s actually a nervous system caught in survival mode? Harvard Business Review’s recent article dives into a critical dynamic: Even when organizations encourage time off or claim to support work-life balance, the culture still rewards overwork. Leaders may unintentionally reinforce patterns that keep teams stuck in cycles of burnout. Read the full piece here: https://lnkd.in/gvE8GYhH From a Somatic Experiencing®Int lens, this isn’t just about workload—it’s about regulation. When individuals operate in a prolonged state of sympathetic activation—urgency, hyper-focus, over-efforting—the cost isn’t only exhaustion. It’s diminished creativity, fractured relationships, and long-term health consequences. This is where nervous system literacy becomes a leadership asset. Organizations integrating Somatic Experiencing® principles are beginning to shift the culture of performance: – Regulation is prioritized alongside results – Teams are resourced to notice early signs of overwhelm before burnout takes hold – Recovery and pacing are seen as strategic tools, not weaknesses Embedding this awareness into team dynamics, leadership development, and organizational rhythms is more than a wellness trend—it’s a future-proofing move. The question isn’t just “how do we stop overworking?” It’s “how do we create environments where nervous systems can settle, creativity can flourish, and sustainability becomes the norm?” #SomaticExperiencing #Leadership #WorkplaceWellbeing #TraumaInformedLeadership #TeamHealth #NervousSystemRegulation #FutureOfWork #SustainableWork #OrganizationalCulture #BurnoutPrevention

Your burnout is no longer just affecting you. Team members are walking on eggshells around you. Your direct reports are starting to show signs of stress themselves. This isn't a leadership challenge. This isn't a temporary rough patch. This isn't normal team dynamics. This is Stage 8 burnout: The Collateral Damage. According to a 2024 Forbes report, employees who work under burned-out managers are 25% more likely to experience stress symptoms themselves and 33% more likely to have motivation issues. The Collateral Damage feels like: • Noticing increased tension in team meetings. • Receiving feedback about your changed leadership style. • Seeing performance issues emerge across your team. • Experiencing higher turnover or disengagement. Two recovery strategies: 1. Conduct an anonymous "leadership impact survey." Create a safe way for your team to share how your current leadership approach is affecting them, then address the findings transparently. I know my team could see that I was melting, and while a few of them expressed concern, I couldn't stop my self-destructive workaholic ways. While I was busy projecting the image of a Superhero, I didn't know that they could see my hologram was flickering. Great leaders need several data points to bring them back to their rational minds, because burnout makes you irrational. An anonymous survey provides the feedback you need to recognize that your hologram is flickering too, and this awareness should give you permission to rest more. The most effective leaders aren't just aware of their own well-being. They recognize how their state impacts everyone around them. Have you ever worked for a burned-out leader?

5 years ago, I hit “send” on a 2:13am launch recap, then stared at the screen, too numb to celebrate the win we’d chased for months. The next day, I asked a direct report how their “second week” was going. She gently reminded me that she joined two months ago. That was embarrassing b/c I pride myself on knowing my people and my team. And that was a wake-up call. Hitting pause felt reckless at first, but stepping away, sleeping more than 4 hours, and delegating tasks changed everything. Our pipeline didn’t collapse.  Our creativity actually spiked.  And our team morale was better than ever. Now “2:13 a.m. syndrome” is my shorthand. I always make sure to check in with my team regularly in 1:1s for the earliest signs of fatigue, and we course-correct before burnout happens. Burnout is a serious issue in the B2B space, especailly now with how fast things are moving. And this can have a significant impact on you and your team's productivity and morale. It's important to recognize the warning signs and have a plan for if/when you have to deal with it. 𝐒𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐛𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐭: 1. Increased fatigue and fatigue that persists even after rest  2. Loss of enthusiasm or motivation  3. Feelings of apathy or detachment  4. Negative thinking or outlook  5. Difficulty concentrating or remembering  6. Decreased productivity or quality of work  7. Physical signs of stress, such as headaches or stomachaches  8. Increased irritability or impulsiveness  9. Changes in sleep or appetite  10. Increased reliance on substances such as alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes 𝐖𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐭 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐰: 1. Take regular breaks throughout the day  2. Get adequate sleep and rest  3. Exercise and eat healthy meals  4. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation  5. Connect with friends, family, and colleagues  6. Set boundaries between work and home life  7. Prioritize tasks and delegate when necessary  8. Practice self-care, such as taking a walk, reading a book, or getting a massage  9. Talk to a mental health professional for additional support  10. Develop a support network of people who understand your work and personal life 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐝𝐝? 😊

I never knew where the term “BURNOUT” came from until last night! Psychologist Herbert Freudenberger coined the term “Burnout” after seeing passionate healthcare workers lose their spark. I have personally experienced burnout and worked with many professionals suffering from burnout. 🔥 Here is what to lookout for and how to quickly reset! Burnout shows up as exhaustion, cynicism, and a reduced sense of accomplishment. This is the opposite of flow, where you are fully immersed in your work with a high sense of control. If burnout isn’t caught early or taken seriously, it will destroy your productivity, which can result in losing your job or failing your business. I have witnessed high performers especially being prone to burnout. But there is a way to spot it early, recover, and even make yourself burnout proof! Burnout has six key triggers: 1️⃣ breakdown of community 2️⃣ insufficient reward 3️⃣ values conflict 4️⃣ lack of control 5️⃣ work overload 6️⃣ unfairness When you tackle these triggers, you can beat burnout. Six strategies that help me reset when I start experiencing burnout: 1. Choose Your Hard -> Align tasks with your strengths. 2. Don’t push yourself to exhaustion  -> Track energy levels and avoid putting yourself in a large recovery hole. 3. When You See a Hill, Sprint. -> Use bursts of focus to build momentum. 4. Regularly Assess the Burnout Triggers. -> Go through the list one by one. 5. Have a Burnout Tool Kit -> Try different active recovery practices and know what works for you. 6. Focus on the Basics -> Daily sunlight, exercise, quality sleep, and good nutrition have all shown to reduce and help recover from burnout. There will ALWAYS be more work, but by becoming more aware of your energy and potential triggers for burnout, you will sustain and optimize your mental health, productivity, performance, and overall career path. 📌 Comment below the word “BURNOUT” if you want me to send you a burnout inventory to monitor your risk. *I take it every month. Follow Alex Wisch for more lessons on #Burnout, #MentalHealth, and achieving #PeakPerformance.

HR is constantly changing. New challenges and opportunities will come our way. Each demanding a high level of agility and adaptability. The catch– If we're burnt out, we won't be able to navigate these challenges effectively. Our well-being is at stake here. It's crucial to recognize burnout, break the stigma around it, and establish a safe space for open conversations about the pressures we're dealing with. Here are a few of the warning signs: 1) Persistent Exhaustion: Feeling constantly tired, both physically and emotionally, can be a sign of burnout. If you find yourself unable to recharge even after taking breaks, it's essential to address this fatigue. 2) Reduced Performance: Burnout can impact your work performance. If you notice a decline in your ability to concentrate, make decisions, or accomplish tasks efficiently, it may be a red flag. 3) Increased Cynicism: A negative shift in your attitude toward work or colleagues, coupled with a sense of detachment, might indicate burnout. If you find yourself becoming cynical or disengaged, it's time to take a closer look. 4) Physical Symptoms: Burnout can manifest physically. Pay attention to symptoms like headaches, stomach issues, or increased susceptibility to illness. These can be indicators of stress affecting your overall well-being. 5) Withdrawal from Responsibilities: If you find yourself withdrawing from work or personal responsibilities, it may be a coping mechanism for burnout. Avoiding tasks or social interactions can be a signal that you're overwhelmed. … Recognizing these warning signs is the first step toward preventing burnout. It's important to prioritize self-care, seek support, and foster a workplace culture that values well-being. A healthy and resilient HR team is better equipped to tackle the evolving landscape of challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. I want to hear from YOU! How do you personally navigate the changing demands while avoiding burnout?

Burnout isn’t just psychological — it’s physiological. Let’s break it down: Cortisol is our body’s primary stress hormone. It’s designed to rise during moments of acute stress as a survival mechanism. What happens when it’s ignored and prolonged? ✔ Chronic stress = chronically elevated cortisol ✔ The body stays in “fight-or-flight” mode ✔ Over time, the system crashes = cortisol plummets ✔ Burnout sets in: brain fog, fatigue, disconnection, then illness We often treat burnout like a time management issue. It’s not. It’s a nervous system issue. A physiological depletion. It takes intentional recovery, nervous system support, and a new relationship to how we work and lead. 🔹 Burnout is not a badge of honor — it’s a warning signal 🔹 Rest is not a reward — it’s a requirement 🔹 Sustainable leadership starts with regulated leaders Well-being isn’t optional — it’s foundational. #MindfulLeadership #sustainableculture #CortisolAwareness #WorkplaceWellbeing