And even if you’re not their manager, your support could be exactly what helps them pull up before things get worse. The challenge? Knowing what to say. You don’t want to overstep, make it awkward, or get it wrong. So here’s how to check in in a way that’s human, helpful, and respectful.
They’re your star employee. The one you trust. The one everyone leans on. And they might be burning out in silence. In many workplaces, the people who seem the most “together” are often the ones quietly struggling the most. Here’s why.
A belief that you’re not allowed to struggle.
That leaders must be resilient, composed, always calm—even when they’re burning out behind the scenes. But here’s the truth: you’re human first, leader second. And the moment you allow yourself to say, “I’m not doing great right now,” you create space for others to do the same.
Burnout isn’t a buzzword—it’s real, rising, and reshaping the way we think about leadership in Australian workplaces. We know how it shows up: exhaustion, cynicism, poor performance, disengagement. What we talk about less is what happens after. After someone’s hit the wall. After they take leave. After they return, quieter than before.
Why early intervention is the best strategy you’ve got
Burnout doesn’t always arrive with fanfare. It creeps in quietly—behind polite smiles, endless meetings, and “I’m just busy” emails. And by the time someone finally breaks down, checks out, or hands in their resignation? It’s already too late. But what if we could spot it sooner?
The go-to person. The problem solver. The one who never says no. High performers carry a quiet risk—and it’s one that often goes unnoticed until they’re halfway out the door. As HR professionals and people leaders, this is where our attention needs to shift: not just toward the obvious signs of struggle, but the hidden ones wrapped in success.
Workplaces across Australia are starting to take mental health seriously—but there’s still a long way to go. Many employees are struggling in silence, unsure who to turn to, or afraid of being judged if they speak up. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is one practical way workplaces are helping to change that.
Burnout isn’t just about being “too busy.” It’s about being under sustained pressure with too little support. It’s the result of environments that reward overwork and overlook recovery. By identifying and addressing the psychosocial risks that lead to burnout, HR and Culture leaders can move from reaction to prevention—and build workplaces where people don’t just survive, they thrive.
