Office burnout: How managers can help support their team

Find out what burnout is and how you can stop it at your workplace.

27 August 2023 5 minute read

young female wearing glasses sitting at desk staring off in the distance looking stressed

Burnout costs Australian business $14 billion every year, but many managers don’t know how to prevent it or how to help when it happens. Learn what burnout is, how to stop it, and the kind of support you can offer your team when they need extra help.

Labelled an “occupational phenomenon” by the World Health Organisation (WHO), burnout is caused by severe workplace stress and results in a chronic lack of energy and interest in your job, and an inability to be effective at work.

A 2022 Work Trends report by Microsoft showed that Australians experience burnout more than the global average with 62% of employees reporting symptoms.

What is burnout?

According to the WHO, burnout is a syndrome “resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed”. Identified by three primary factors, burnout is described as:

Low energy or serious fatigue
Feelings of negativity or cynicism towards your job or workplace
Reduced professional ability.

Although not classified as a medical condition, burnout can impact physical health and mental wellbeing.

Signs and symptoms of burnout As it is caused by unmanaged workplace stress, burnout is preventable if early signs aren’t ignored.

While reducing all aspects of stress or pressure from work may not be possible, recognising when someone is struggling with high levels of stress, and taking steps to reduce it, may help reduce the risk of developing burnout. Common signs and symptoms include (but are not limited to):

Being constantly late for work, or taking frequent sick days
Missing deadlines or not completing projects on time
Disinterest in the job or tasks that previously were engaging
Irritability or outbursts of anger towards colleagues.

How to support someone with burnout

The first step in helping someone who may be suffering from burnout is to approach them privately. Choose a time and place where you won’t be interrupted and express concern. Say you have noticed a change in their behaviour and ask if there anything you can do to help.

They may not be ready to talk. Let them know you are available if they change their mind and will check in again with them soon. If they do express the need for help, there are some important next steps to take.

1. Short-term wins

If there is anything you can take off their To Do list today, do it. If someone is feeling overwhelmed, something as simple as reassigning a project or changing a deadline can help reduce feelings of overwhelm.

2. Long-term plan

Discuss what may have led to their feelings of burnout and try to identify the triggers. Can any expectations be adjusted? Can goals be moved or changed? Also, offer additional support and services via the employee assistance program or HR/P&C.

How managers can help prevent burnout

Supporting your team and creating a culture of wellbeing at work won’t only help prevent burnout but will ensure the health and productivity of your people in the long term.

Constant communication – Encouraging open dialogue among teams about what is and isn’t working in the office can help resolve issues before they become serious or overwhelming. Let your team know you’re listening.

Collaborate – Making teamwork the ideal way of working will help spread workload equally and could prevent individuals feeling isolated.

Eradicate noise – Endless meetings, overly complex strategies, and outdated legacy systems can suck up time and stall productivity which increases stress. Analyse each new challenge and project to develop the most efficient and effective way of working.

Highlight the purpose – Having goals and targets can help create a culture of purpose and concludes with a feeling of achievement. Let teams know what they’re working towards and celebrate the wins and end points.

Learn more about to create a workplace of wellness.