Supporting a Colleague Experiencing Burnout
Burnout is becoming increasingly common in fast-paced workplaces, and noticing the signs in a colleague is the first step toward positive change. By offering thoughtful support, you can play a vital role in improving not only your coworker’s wellbeing but also the overall team environment. Here’s how to provide care, empathy, and practical assistance when someone you work with is struggling with burnout.
Recognizing the Signs of Burnout
Colleague burnout can show up in many ways—changes in mood, reduced productivity, withdrawal from team discussions, or frequent exhaustion. Paying attention to these patterns helps you identify when it’s time to check in with them.
Offering Practical Employee Support
- Start with Empathy: Invite them to talk in a private setting without judgment, prioritizing listening over advice.
- Respect Boundaries: Some colleagues may not want to share details, so offering flexibility or simply showing kindness goes a long way.
- Encourage Breaks: Suggest that they take short breaks, use vacation days, or adjust workloads where possible.
- Point to Resources: Share information about mental health programs, wellness initiatives, or HR support systems available in your organization.
Creating a Culture of Workplace Wellbeing
Supporting one person can spark broader change. Discuss workload balance during team meetings, normalize talking about stress, and encourage leaders to model healthy work habits. A culture of wellbeing sustains long-term employee satisfaction and reduces burnout across the organization.