The Burnout Epidemic and What Leaders Can Do

Bernice Gordon | WBN News | September 17, 2025

Burnout isn’t just a personal struggle it’s a systemic one. As remote work, relentless connectivity, and high demands collide, burnout has quietly become an epidemic, impacting productivity, engagement, and well being. The real solution? Leadership that leads with intention, empathy, and courageous action.

1. Recognize the signs early and often. It starts with watching for subtle shifts: physical exhaustion, reduced engagement, emotional detachment. When leaders notice and validate these signs early, they set the tone for care, not shame.

2. Normalize and model boundaries. Leaders who share their own rhythms “I’m offline after 7 PM” or “I’m taking this Friday off to recharge” let their teams know that balance isn't a weakness; it's essential. Visible self care makes it easier for others to follow.

3. Offer symmetry in workload and flexibility. Burnout often stems from imbalance. Leaders can proactively redistribute tasks during crunch periods, and encourage flexible schedules (like midday breaks or focus blocks) to give teams agency over their energy.

4. Refuel your people and yourself. Short “reset” rituals like a five minute midday stretch, walking huddle, or weekly team reflection offer collective breathing room and renewed connection.

5. Build in emotional check-ins and connection points. Whether in 1:1s or team sessions, including honest questions such as “How are you really doing?” creates space for vulnerability and prevents stress from going hidden.

6. Reinforce growth through recovery. Recovery isn’t downtime it’s fuel for performance. Make rest visible: celebrate vacations, acknowledge time off, and honor breaks as part of achieving long term goals.

By anchoring leadership in care rather than crisis, we dismantle burnout before it fractures teams. The antidote lies not in pushing harder, but caring smarter so individuals and organizations can thrive.

TAGS: #Burnout Prevention #Resilient Leadership #Workplace Wellbeing #WBN News Langley #Bernice Gordon

Call‑out Credit
Bernice Gordon | CEO – Coaching with Bernice
📧 Email: bernicegordon@shaw.ca
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernicegordon