How Leaders Can Spot—and Prevent—Burnout on Their Teams

In today’s fast-paced, always-on work culture, burnout is more than just a buzzword—it’s a real and growing problem in workplaces across every industry. As someone who has personally experienced burnout, I know how easily it can creep in unnoticed and how much damage it can cause when left unchecked.

The good news? Leaders are uniquely positioned to spot the early signs of burnout and step in with support before it reaches a breaking point.

In this article, I’ll share the subtle symptoms of burnout, how to recognize it in your team, and what you can do as a leader to create a healthier, more sustainable work environment.

🔥 What Burnout Really Looks Like

Burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It builds slowly, often disguised as stress, tiredness, or disengagement. Here are 7 early signs leaders should watch for:

1. Persistent Fatigue

Even with enough sleep, your team member seems constantly tired, sluggish, or low-energy. This isn’t regular exhaustion—it’s emotional depletion.

2. Loss of Motivation

When someone who used to be engaged and proactive starts avoiding tasks or dragging their feet, it’s a red flag. The spark is gone, and that’s a sign something deeper is going on.

3. Irritability or Mood Swings

Increased frustration, snappy responses, or emotional withdrawal can indicate burnout. Don’t write it off as someone “just having a bad week.”

4. Cognitive Fog

If an employee starts forgetting things, struggling to concentrate, or taking longer to make decisions, pay attention. Mental fog is a common—yet overlooked—burnout symptom.

5. Physical Complaints

Frequent headaches, stomach aches, sleep disturbances, or muscle tension can all point to stress that’s taken a physical toll.

6. Disengagement

When someone begins to emotionally distance themselves from their work, team, or clients, it’s more than just disinterest—it’s likely a defense mechanism.

7. Drop in Performance

Burnout affects focus, creativity, and decision-making. If a reliable employee suddenly starts missing deadlines or producing lower-quality work, don’t jump to blame—dig deeper.

👀 How to Spot the Signs as a Leader

Burnout often hides in plain sight, especially in high-performing teams where overworking is normalized. Here's how you can stay ahead of it:

• Hold regular 1:1s and ask open-ended questions about how people are really doing.

• Observe changes in behavior—whether in tone, energy, or communication.

• Track workload patterns and flag team members who rarely take breaks or PTO.

• Create psychological safety so employees feel comfortable speaking up when they’re struggling.

🛠 What You Can Do to Support Burnout Recovery

Recognizing burnout is only half the battle—supporting your team through it requires action. Here’s how you can help:

1. Normalize the Conversation

Talk openly about burnout in meetings. When leaders share their own experiences (yes, even yours), it reduces stigma and encourages honesty.

2. Set (and Respect) Boundaries

Model healthy work habits. Encourage your team to log off after hours, take time off, and say “no” when their plate is full.

3. Prioritize Wellbeing

Bring self-care into the workplace culture. This could be through wellness stipends, flexible schedules, or quiet hours with no meetings.

4. Help Reconnect to Purpose

If someone’s feeling disconnected, remind them of the impact of their work. Tie daily tasks back to the company’s mission and values.

5. Provide Resources

Make sure employees know where to turn—whether that’s internal HR support, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), or referrals to mental health professionals.

✨ Final Thoughts: Burnout is Preventable

As leaders, our job isn’t just to drive performance—it’s to create environments where people can do great work without sacrificing their health.

Burnout is silent at first, but if you know the signs, you can catch it early. More importantly, you can lead in a way that makes your team feel safe, supported, and seen.

Because when your people thrive, your business does too.