Lean, But Not Broken: Protecting Your Culture from Burnout During a Recession

By Jenny Holly Hansen | WBN News | May 22, 2025

In every recession, there’s a natural push to do more with less. Budgets shrink. Teams get leaner. Efficiency becomes the new mantra.

But here’s what I’ve learned the hard way: lean staffing without careful leadership can quickly tip into burnout — and when that happens, you don't just lose productivity. You lose culture, loyalty, and long-term health.

Running lean is sometimes necessary. Burnout is not.

The real test for leaders in tough times isn’t just keeping the lights on — it’s keeping the heart of the business alive.

Why Lean Staffing Happens (And Why It’s Risky)

During a downturn, it’s tempting — sometimes even unavoidable — to trim teams. Consolidate roles. Stretch people further. I understand the pressure completely.

The problem is that without safeguards, lean staffing almost always leads to:

Overwork
Decreased morale
Higher turnover
Weakened customer experience
Long-term damage to trust and reputation

If key people leave (or mentally check out), the cost of replacing them later — both financially and culturally — can be far higher than the short-term savings from running leaner.

How I Protect Culture While Running Lean

1. Communicate Honestly and Transparently
If the team is smaller or responsibilities have shifted, I don't sugarcoat it. I explain the reality:

Why we made changes
What the plan is moving forward
How we’ll support each other through it

Transparency builds trust, even when the news is tough.

2. Prioritize Ruthlessly
I learned that it’s not realistic to expect a lean team to do everything the full team did. I work with my team to identify what’s essential — what activities protect revenue, customer satisfaction, and team wellbeing — and give permission to pause or drop lower-priority projects.

3. Redesign Roles Thoughtfully
Instead of just dumping extra work onto whoever’s left, I try to redesign roles smartly:

Focus on core strengths
Clarify expectations
Offer flexibility where possible

4. Watch for Early Signs of Burnout
I pay close attention to energy levels, absenteeism, engagement during meetings, and emotional tone. Burnout rarely announces itself loudly — it creeps in quietly.

5. Invest in Small Wins and Recognition
In a lean environment, it’s easy to focus only on problems. I make it a point to celebrate small victories, recognize hard work, and create moments of positivity.

A thank-you note, a shoutout in a meeting, a team lunch — these small acts mean even more when times are tough.

6. Offer Flexibility and Autonomy
Rigid schedules and micromanagement only make things worse. When I trust my team to manage their time, take breaks when needed, and voice when they’re at capacity, they rise to the challenge much more sustainably.

7. Protect the Mission
When stress is high, reconnecting to why we do what we do matters. I constantly bring conversations back to our bigger purpose. It reminds everyone — myself included — that the effort is about something larger than just getting through the day.

Final Thoughts

Running lean doesn’t have to mean running broken.

During a recession, protecting your culture is just as critical as protecting your cash flow. Because when recovery comes — and it always does — the businesses that kept their people healthy, motivated, and connected will be the ones best positioned to grow again.

I remind myself daily:
Efficiency is smart. Burnout is costly. Culture is priceless.

Let’s Keep Talking:

Jenny is a business insurance broker with Waypoint Insurance. With 19 years experience, she will well versed in the technical aspects of business coverages.

She can be reached at 604-317-6755 or jholly-hansen@wbnn.news. Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-holly-hansen-365b691b/. Connect with Jenny at BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jennyhollyhansen.bsky.social

Let’s Meet Up:

Jenny Holly Hansen is a cohost with Chris Sturges of the Langley Impact Networking Group. You are welcome to join us on Thursday’s from 4pm to 6pm at: Sidebar Bar and Grill: 100b - 20018 83A Avenue, Langley, BC V2Y 3R4

TAGS: #Jenny Holly Hansen #Recession-PRoof #Burnout Prevention #Protecting your Brand