Seven Practical Ways Employees and Leaders can Avoid Burnout

Angela Ng

Working past midnight. Supervisors calling after hours. Almost collapsing under unbearable workloads. Sweating in the face of imminent deadlines.

Have you found yourself hitting a roadblock and wondering what is going to happen next? 

It might be normal for some.

But at what point do we say, "Enough is enough"?

Employee burnout is on the rise - especially now that working from home has blurred the lines between our personal and professional lives.

How is Burnout Affecting Workers Today?
A woman in a white jacket is looking at her cell phone.

A February 2021 poll conducted by Indeed.com revealed that the situation has gotten worse.

Over 52% of respondents reported feeling burnout. 67% feel it has worsened over the pandemic.

Burnout is not a badge of honour. 

Our minds/brain may be working overtime as it finds it difficult to switch off from work. 

Ever find yourself glancing at your work computer as you walk past your home workstation or doing that little bit of overtime just to send that last email?

Burnout happens when you avoid being human for too long.

If you're feeling it - something is seriously wrong and must not be ignored. You may be overstressed, disconnected, and/or disengaged.

These emotions can be symptoms of depression and anxiety and in the worst case lead to suicide.

What can Workers do to Avoid Burnout?
A woman is sitting at a desk using a laptop computer.

Here are a few things to remind ourselves: 



  • You are the pilot of your life, manage your time and set boundaries so you get enough self-care. You are the one that can control actions and destinations. 
  • Take a step back and evaluate each block of time in your week. Find opportunities to limit your exposure to the things that create negative energy and increase your exposure to what's good for your mind, body, and soul. 
  • Change the way you think. If you’re exhausted, focus on the important stuff. If you're frustrated, set aside the parts that frustrate you, and focus on the positives of your role or the workplace. 
  • Communicate and network. Find like-minded individuals who can challenge the way you think and motivate you to move forward. Talk about how you're feeling - chances are people around you may be able to assist you. 


What can Leaders do to Avoid Their Team Members Burning Out?
A group of people are sitting around a table with laptops.

If you're a workplace leader, here are 3 things to consider:


  • Forget "check-in" meetings over Zoom / Teams. Do a walking meeting outside. The sun can do remarkable things to a person's level of energy by triggering the increased release of serotonin improving their mood, calmness, and focus. 
  • Forget promoting "work-life balance". That term is a fallacy, especially now that many of us are working from home. Instead, promote "work-life engagement", and help your employees find engagement in both their jobs and in their personal lives.
  • Monitor workloads. Take time to deeply understand, care, and act for your employees. We’re all human beings with human needs. Be compassionate, empathetic, and realistic. Be ready to be truly flexible as each will be unique. 



Work together. Beat the burnout. You are the one who can define your version of happiness. Now go live it. 

< Older Post

 Newer Post >

Other blogs you might like

Executive Career Transition Support for a Senior Executive Employee Following Organisational Change

By Gerard Kerr • October 9, 2026
Executive Career Transition Support Following Organisational Change Organisational change can create uncertainty for employees, particularly for experienced professionals navigating a significant career transition after many years within the same organisation. When a Queensland Government agency needed confidential, one-on-one career transition support for a senior executive employee, they engaged Kingston Human Capital to deliver a personalised program focused on career planning, professional positioning and future employment preparedness. Through a tailored career transition program, Kingston Human Capital provided executive coaching, career planning, professional branding support, resume development, LinkedIn optimisation, interview preparation and practical job-search guidance. The support was designed to adapt to the participant’s evolving needs while remaining aligned with their experience, aspirations and preferred career pathway. The program helped the participant develop a clear career transition strategy, strengthen their professional profile and approach future opportunities with greater confidence. This case study demonstrates how personalised career transition support can assist professionals during periods of organisational change while providing practical guidance for the next stage of their career journey.
A statutory authority: 116 applications and up to 29 hours of panel time nobody had

A statutory authority: 116 applications and up to 29 hours of panel time nobody had

By Michelle Bassett • September 28, 2026
A project management role on a major infrastructure program closed with 116 applications. Reading them would have taken the panel up to 29 hours before shortlisting began. Kingston Human Capital took the lot and the authority appointed within five weeks.
Nine roles, three months, a deadline that could not move | Kingston case study

A statutory commission: Nine roles, three months, a deadline that could not move

By Michelle Bassett • September 28, 2026
A statutory commission needed nine roles filled before a legislated scheme commenced and did not expect it could be done in time. Kingston Human Capital ran nine campaigns as one program. 534 applications, 37 interviews, nine appointments, 11.6 business days shortlist to report.