How to Listen for Burnout Before It's Too Late

Most managers don’t mean to miss the signs of burnout. They’re busy. Their teams are busy. Everyone’s trying to deliver.

Unfortunately, burnout rarely presents itself as a dramatic announcement. It shows up quietly: in patterns, shifts, and changes that are easy to overlook if you’re not watching for them.

That’s why one of the most valuable things a leader can do is learn to recognize the early signals and take action before it becomes a crisis.

⚠️ 5 Subtle Signs of Burnout Every Manager Should Know

1. Persistent fatigue, even after PTO

If someone returns from a break still running on empty, it’s worth asking what’s not being restored.

2. Withdrawal from collaboration

A drop in participation (fewer ideas, shorter responses, skipping optional engagements) can signal that someone is pulling back.

3. Irritability or flatness

You might notice more frustration, less patience, or a general shift in tone from someone who’s usually steady.

4. Reduced initiative

If someone stops volunteering ideas or no longer takes ownership like they used to, it may reflect more than just a bad week.

5. Overcommitting without boundaries

Burnout doesn’t always look like disengagement. It can also look like someone saying yes to everything - until they can’t.

What to Do When You Notice the Signs

If you’re seeing one or more of these patterns, you don’t need a formal intervention. You need a conversation.

Ask questions that open the door without putting someone on the spot:

• “How’s your current workload feeling lately?”

• “Anything you’re carrying right now that feels unsustainable?”

• “If we needed to pull back on something, what would help the most?”

Then listen, not just for the words, but for the hesitation, the tone, and the things they don’t say right away.

Burnout is more preventable than most leaders think, but only if they’re paying attention.

🔗 Want to take a more proactive approach?

📖 Check out: The ROI of Listening: What Most Engagement Surveys Miss — for practical ways to build feedback systems that actually surface burnout risk.

📅 Or book a consult to explore how LeAnne can help you lead a team-wide engagement survey that goes beyond data and helps you take action before it’s too late.