Do you know the difference between Stress & Burnout?

Don't let your team 'catch' fire!

Burnout can spread like wildfire within a team. As Dr. Christine Sinsky from the American Medical Association wisely puts it, “While burnout manifests in individuals, it originates in systems.

”Stress vs. Burnout: Why Leaders Need to Know the Difference!

Stress and burnout are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Leaders must understand the distinction to better support themselves and their teams.

What is Stress?

Stress is a natural response to challenges or change. It triggers cortisol and other chemicals that help us regulate and return to normal once the stressor is gone—like after a big presentation or a restful weekend.

Stress can even be positive, motivating us to perform at our best. But when stress becomes chronic—lingering without relief—it can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, sleep problems, and mental health challenges.

What is Burnout?

Burnout is more than just stress; it’s a work-related syndrome with three key signs:

1. Emotional exhaustion – Feeling completely drained, even after rest.
2. Depersonalisation – Cynicism or detachment from colleagues or purpose.
3. Decreased personal achievement – Feeling ineffective despite performing well.

Unlike stress, burnout is often driven by systemic issues—workload, poor processes, lack of psychological safety, or feeling undervalued. And here’s the kicker: burnout is contagious within teams.

Why It Matters?

Burnout doesn’t just hurt individuals; it impacts team performance, increases errors, and drives turnover. Chronic stress can lead to burnout, especially when left unaddressed. Leaders need to be proactive by recognizing these patterns early.

Questions for Leaders to Ask Their Teams

To address stress and burnout effectively, leaders should start conversations with their teams:

• Is our stress manageable? What helps us recover?
• What makes a good day at work? What gets in the way of that?
• How can we prevent overwhelm and create space for breaks or recovery?

Burnout isn’t just an individual issue—it’s a team challenge that requires systemic solutions. Be curious, take action, and remember: addressing these issues isn’t just about avoiding problems; it’s about building resilience and thriving together as a team!

#BounceForward #BurnoutIsNotAnOption #StressIsNotTheBadGuy

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