You see the signs. Now what?
Burnout is tricky.
Even when the signs are clear — low energy, quiet disengagement, missed check-ins — approaching someone about it can feel uncomfortable.
Will they feel exposed? Defensive? Ashamed?
This guide will show you how to:
- Approach the conversation with empathy
- Use async culture to open the door
- Support them without overstepping
- Use tools like PulseBoard to guide the follow-up
🔥 Step 1: Notice the Pattern, Not Just the Day
Burnout is a trend, not a moment.
Don’t jump in after one off check-in. Watch for:
- 2–3 weeks of “meh” or “low” moods
- Drop in communication
- Emotional flatness
- Increased working hours with decreased clarity
PulseBoard Tip:
Use weekly sentiment tracking + AI summaries to spot consistent burnout signals across time — not just single days.
🤝 Step 2: Create a Private, Safe Space
The goal isn’t to confront — it’s to care.
Try:
- Sending a message: “Hey — I noticed you’ve seemed a bit off lately. Want to talk?”
- Offering async first: “Totally fine to write or voice note if that’s easier.”
- Avoiding pressure: “No rush. Just wanted to check in.”
Do not say:
- “You’ve been really unmotivated lately.”
- “Are you burned out?” (too direct)
- “What’s wrong with you?” 😬
🧠 Step 3: Listen Without Jumping to Solutions
Once they open up, hold space.
Let them share. Ask gentle follow-ups:
- “What’s been the hardest part lately?”
- “How’s your energy been outside of work?”
- “What’s something we can shift this week to help?”
Avoid:
- “You just need a vacation.”
- “Try journaling / meditating.”
- “Everyone’s stressed, you’ll be fine.”
🔄 Step 4: Make One Tiny Shift Together
Burnout needs breathing room, not Band-Aids.
Offer 1 change that makes life easier right now:
- Remove them from a draining project
- Move a meeting off their calendar
- Encourage a proper day off — no checking in
- Temporarily shift workload or deadline
PulseBoard Tip:
Use their previous check-ins to spot workload imbalances and emotional patterns across teams.
🪴 Step 5: Follow Up (Without Micromanaging)
This isn’t a one-off fix. Burnout recovery takes time.
Set a reminder to:
- Check in again in 5–7 days
- Ask how the change helped (or didn’t)
- Show ongoing support without over-checking
Async tip:
- Use emoji check-ins to quietly monitor sentiment without hovering.
✅ What Happens When You Get This Right
A 5-minute check-in today can prevent a resignation email next month.
Supporting someone through burnout isn’t about fixing them.
It’s about making it okay to feel overwhelmed — and doing something about it early.
💡 Use PulseBoard to Spot & Support Your Team
Don’t wait for someone to say “I’m burned out.”
PulseBoard helps you catch the signals early and approach with care.