Leading Through Burnout: How Leaders Can Support Staff Mental Health
- Dom Gardner
- May 4
- 3 min read
What Is Burnout - And Why Does It Matter?
Burnout is more than just feeling tired or overworked. The World Health Organization defines it as a result of chronic, unmanaged workplace stress. In healthcare, it often shows up as:
Emotional exhaustion
Detachment from patients or coworkers
A reduced sense of accomplishment
Unchecked, burnout can lead to poor morale, high turnover, and even diminished patient outcomes. But here's the good news: as a leader, you can take proactive steps to protect your team.
Step 1: Recognize the Signs Early
Burnout doesn't happen overnight - and it's often invisible until it's deeply rooted. As a leader, look out for:
Frequent lateness or absences
Irritability or withdrawal
Declining quality of work
Staff skipping breaks or working excessive overtime
Don't wait for a crisis. Make check-ins part of your routine. Ask how people are really doing - and be ready to listen.
Step 2: Create Psychological Safety
Your team needs to know it's safe to speak up. When people fear judgment, they suffer in silence. Foster a culture where:
Asking for help is encouraged
Mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities
Conversations about mental health are normalized
Psychological safety is the foundation for trust, resilience, and retention.
Step 3: Model Healthy Behaviors
Your team watches how you handle stress. What message are you sending? Lead by example by:
Taking real breaks (and not apologizing for it)
Setting boundaries between work and home
Using vacation time-and encouraging others to do the same
When you model well-being, your team gets permission to do the same.
Step 4: Adjust Workloads Where Possible
No one thrives under constant pressure. While healthcare is demanding, not every task needs to be urgent. Help your team by:
Delegating strategically
Canceling or streamlining unnecessary meetings
Advocating for more staffing or resource support
Even small adjustments can ease the burden and show your team that their time and energy matter.
Step 5: Invest in Mental Health Resources
Support isn't just about intention - it's about access. Make sure your team knows what's available, and remind them often. Share and promote:
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
Counseling or coaching resources
Mental health days or flexible scheduling
Peer support programs or wellness initiatives
Don't assume people know what's available - make it visible and accessible.
Step 6: Celebrate Wins and Show Gratitude
Appreciation goes a long way. Burnout drains meaning from work. Gratitude restores it. Practice:
Thanking team members often and authentically
Recognizing both individual and team contributions
Reinforcing the why behind their work
A simple "thank you" might be the reset someone needs to keep going.
Leading with Empathy and Intention
You don't need to have all the answers. But you do need to care. Leading through burnout isn't about fixing everything - it's about creating a culture where people feel seen, supported, and valued. When you lead with empathy, encourage boundaries, and normalize rest, you become part of the solution. In healthcare, we care for others. But it's time we care for the caregivers, too.
Final Thought
Burnout doesn't define your team - it challenges you to lead differently. The work is hard. The stakes are high. But the impact of a compassionate, present leader? It can change everything. Let's build teams that are not just high-performing - but healthy, resilient, and whole.
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