The coworker who’s always “fine” might not be fine at all — they’ve just learned to hide it well. If we want to build more human, honest workplaces, we need to look past the surface. Not everyone who needs support will ask for it. That’s why we check in anyway
Let’s set the record straight: being good at your job doesn’t mean you’re okay.
You can hit every deadline. Show up to every meeting with your camera on. Carry your team. Lead with grace. Win awards. Get promoted. Deliver results that make your boss proud.
And still — you can feel like you’re falling apart inside.
Managers are often expected to support everyone else while rarely being supported themselves. They’re people too, with real emotions, real stress, and real needs. If we want to build workplaces that are truly safe and sustainable, we need to normalize checking in on our leaders. Because mental health is for everyone — not just the people on the team, but the people guiding it.
This isn’t just forgetfulness or distraction — it’s a signal. A sign that your mind is tired and begging for a reset. Let’s talk about what’s going on — and the actually doable tools that can help bring your focus back
Work fatigue isn’t just “being tired.” It’s deeper — like a slow, steady erosion of your energy, creativity, and motivation. It’s emotional exhaustion dressed up as "I'm fine" on Slack. If you're nodding along, you're not alone — and you're definitely not broken. Let's talk about why this happens and how to start climbing out of the Monday-forever loop.
We worry we’ll say the wrong thing, overshare, or make someone uncomfortable. But here’s the truth: mental health is already in the room. Whether we’re talking about it or not, it’s affecting how we show up every single day.
So how do we start having these conversations in a way that feels natural, respectful, and not weird?
Let’s walk through it—gently, together.
Work stress isn’t just “part of the job” anymore. It’s become a daily reality for many, and it’s affecting more than just how we feel—it’s reshaping how we work, how we show up, and how we connect with the world around us. As we continue to push through packed calendars, endless emails, and high expectations, we have to pause and ask: What is the cost of constantly running on empty?
