Creative13 May 2025Simon Druery

5 Key Signs of Burnout Every Leader Should Be Aware Of

Burnout has become a significant concern in Australian workplaces, with a 2023 survey by the Corporate Mental Health Alliance Australia revealing that 44% of respondents experienced burnout. This includes 6% who felt completely burnt out and 11% experiencing persistent feelings that interfere with work (cmhaa.org.au). This trend is particularly concerning for high-performing teams, where the pressure to deliver can exacerbate stress levels. As leaders, it's vital to recognise the early warning signs in both yourself and your team, so you can proactively cultivate a healthy and sustainable work culture.

Burnout doesn't always present with obvious symptoms, making it essential to know what to look for. Below are five key signs leaders should watch out for and share with their teams to encourage open conversations about well-being.

1. Physical and Mental Exhaustion

One of the most prominent signs of burnout is a constant feeling of physical and mental exhaustion. When employees experience burnout, they may feel drained and fatigued, even after taking time off or resting. This ongoing tiredness can significantly affect their ability to perform at their usual high standards and can lead to disengagement.

As a leader, it's important to encourage your team to listen to their bodies and minds. If someone seems perpetually tired, it might be time to look into adjusting workloads or introducing strategies to manage stress.

2. Decreased Performance and Productivity

A significant drop in performance and productivity can be an early indicator of burnout. Employees who are experiencing burnout often find it difficult to focus or stay motivated to complete tasks. They may struggle with responsibilities they normally manage with ease, which can have a direct impact on the team’s overall output.

If you notice that an employee is missing deadlines, making mistakes they usually wouldn’t, or seems disconnected from their work, it could be time for a check-in to see if burnout is at play. Regular feedback and setting clear expectations can help to maintain motivation and performance levels before burnout takes root.

3. Irritability and Negative Emotions

Burnout often brings about heightened feelings of irritability and negativity. Employees may become easily frustrated, short-tempered, or withdrawn. This emotional strain can spill over into their interactions with colleagues, affecting team dynamics and communication.

Leaders can support their teams by encouraging open and honest conversations about emotions in the workplace. Understanding that burnout can manifest emotionally helps to create a supportive atmosphere where individuals feel they can discuss any difficulties without fear of judgment.

4. Feelings of Detachment or Cynicism

When burnout sets in, employees might begin to feel detached from their work and their colleagues. They may express feelings of cynicism or doubt, questioning the value of their efforts or feeling disconnected from the company’s mission. They may even start “going through the motions,” putting in minimal effort and no longer striving for the excellence they once did.

If you sense an employee becoming disengaged or distant, it’s a sign to have a conversation about their well-being and workloads. Addressing this early can prevent the issue from escalating and help reignite a sense of purpose and passion in their work.

5. Frequent Illness or Lack of Focus

Chronic stress caused by burnout can weaken the immune system, making employees more prone to frequent illnesses. On top of that, burnout can lead to an inability to focus, which impacts productivity and the quality of work. Employees may find themselves making simple mistakes, forgetting important tasks, or struggling to concentrate on long-term projects.

Encouraging a balanced approach to work—such as ensuring proper breaks, promoting health and wellness initiatives, and encouraging time away from screens—can help prevent the physical toll of burnout.

What Can Leaders Do?

As a leader, it’s not just about recognising the signs of burnout in your team; it’s about taking action to prevent and address it. Here are a few ways to support your team:

Encourage Open Dialogue: Foster a workplace culture where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health concerns. Let your team know that burnout is a real issue, and it’s okay to ask for help.
Provide Resources and Support: Ensure your team has access to mental health resources, employee assistance programs, and regular check-ins to monitor workloads. Additionally, encourage breaks, time off, and a manageable work-life balance.
Lead by Example: As a leader, your actions set the tone for the rest of the team. Model healthy work habits, prioritise self-care, and be transparent about your own well-being. This creates an atmosphere where team members feel safe to do the same.

Burnout doesn’t happen overnight, but by recognising the signs early and acting swiftly, leaders can help their teams avoid its more severe consequences. A proactive approach to burnout can foster a more resilient and engaged workforce, leading to better outcomes for everyone.

By sharing these signs and discussing burnout openly with your team, you can help create a work environment where everyone can thrive.

Article by Simon Druery

Simon Druery is Director and Brand Strategist at Belong Creative. What gets him jumping out of bed each day is helping business owners and marketers craft brands that people want to belong to. When he’s not working you can find him travelling Australia in the family caravan and enjoying a tawny port by the fire.

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