7 Red Flags That Your Team Might Be Experiencing Burnout - And How You Can Help

Burnout is more than just being tired. It is the slow erosion of energy, motivation, and wellbeing. In today’s fast-paced workplaces, it is becoming increasingly common. While individuals certainly feel the impact, burnout is very often a workplace issue. That means leaders and HR professionals have both the responsibility and the opportunity to address it.

Here are eight RED FLAGS your team might be heading towards burnout, and what you can do to support them:

Rising absenteeism (or presenteeism)

When people are burning out, they may start calling in sick more often. Just as concerning is presenteeism: When team members show up but are disengaged, unfocused, or going through the motions.

What leaders can do: Check in with genuine care. A simple “How are you, really?” can open the door to an honest conversation.

Emotional reactions are heightened

You might notice colleagues becoming more irritable, impatient, or frustrated or emotional. This is not always a matter of professionalism. It is often a symptom of exhaustion.

What leaders can do: Normalise talking about stress. Show empathy, and encourage breaks rather than pushing through.

Dropping productivity despite long hours

People may put in long hours but produce less because mental and physical energy are depleted. Burnout often masquerades as “working harder.”

What leaders can do: Focus on outcomes, not hours. Encourage prioritisation and make it safe to say no.

Frequent health complaints

Stress shows up in the body: Headaches, fatigue, stomach issues, or recurring colds. A team that is often unwell may be signalling that their load is unsustainable.

What leaders can do: Encourage the basics such as sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Consider bringing in wellness and coaching programs to embed healthy habits.

Low energy

When energy is low, engagement follows. You may notice people arriving late, switching off in meetings, or avoiding collaboration. Tasks that once felt easy now feel heavy. This is often a sign that emotional and physical reserves are depleted.

What leaders can do: Revisit workloads and priorities. Encourage breaks, realistic deadlines, and time away from screens. Sometimes rest is the most productive action.

Achievers disengaging

One of the clearest red flags is when your reliable high achievers are suddenly less enthusiastic or even thinking of leaving. By the time this is visible, burnout is often well advanced.

What leaders can do: Do not wait until exit interviews. Regularly ask your best people what support they need, and follow through.

Growing conflict

When teams are stretched thin, patience fades and communication breaks down. Small frustrations can quickly turn into bigger issues, and collaboration gives way to blame or withdrawal.

What leaders can do: Create an environment of openness and trust. Address tension early, listen without judgement, and model calm, constructive communication.

Stalling generation of ideas

A healthy team generates ideas and solutions. When burnout sets in, innovation slows and problem-solving becomes mechanical. People revert to “just get it done” instead of thinking differently or improving systems.

What leaders can do: Protect space for curiosity and experimentation. Celebrate small wins, invite input from all voices, and make it safe to think outside the box.

The role of leadership: From care to action

Burnout does not disappear with platitudes or pizza lunches. It requires leaders to notice, to listen, and to act. At its heart, preventing burnout is about care: cCare for the wellbeing of your people and the sustainability of your organisation.

When leaders prioritise psychological safety, model healthy boundaries, and invest in their people’s development, teams do not just avoid burnout. They thrive.

If you would like to explore how coaching can support you and your teams to create a culture where people feel cared for and energised, I would love to connect.

✨ Contact our team to discuss leadership coaching and team wellbeing programs. Together, we can help your people not just survive, but thrive.

🌐 www.abilitise.com.au

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