More from LifeLabs Learning on burnout:

8 signs of burnout

Three or more items is a red flag. Note: many of these elements are common and don't indicate burnout on their own. Instead, we can view them as lead indicators telling us it might be worth having a burnout conversation. In general, the more items, the more urgent it becomes to discuss burnout/balance skills .

• Chronic exhaustion: Persistent fatigue even after resting, feeling extremely tired more often than usual.
• Lack of focus: A shortened attention span, difficulty remembering things (e.g., information, dates).
• Physical distress: Disturbed sleep, back pain, headaches, increased heart rate, shallow breathing, stomachaches, and change in appetite.
• Mood instability: Feeling irritability, sadness, and/or anger bursts in disproportionate response to the cause.
• Emotional numbness: A sense of cynicism, apathy, detachment, meaninglessness, and emotional walls or distance, lack of joy in daily tasks.
• Loneliness: A persistent sense of isolation even when interacting with people.
• Reduced effectiveness: Tasks (including easy ones) are taking more time or effort than they used to.
• Pervasive self-doubt: Feeling incapable, undeserving, incompetent, and doubting ability to achieve desired results.

How to hold a burnout buffering conversation

1. Set up a dedicated time to talk

Suggest meeting solely for this topic: Note: signposting the conversation as dedicated solely to this topic is an act of care, and conversations like this require a 'micro-yes'/ permission to switch gears and explore what is happening.

• If team member mentioned feeling burned out/tired: "You mentioned feeling burnt out / tired lately... want to use our next 1-1 to focus on how you've been feeling and co-create some solution ideas?".
• If already in a 1-1: "Should we take the next 30 minutes and talk about how you've been feeling?"