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1 min read

# Burnout: Causes, effects, and how to avoid it

Start with these practical, people-first strategies.

Published on January 15, 2025Last updated on September 02, 2026

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## Table of contents

[Burnout is real—and it's costing your business](#burnout-is-realand-its-costing-your-business)[What is burnout?](#what-is-burnout)[The business impact:](#the-business-impact)[How to prevent burnout: 4 practical tips](#how-to-prevent-burnout-4-practical-tips)

## Summary

Burnout is more than just feeling tired. In fact, research from iSolved shows that 65% of US employees experienced burnout in 2023, leading to increased sick days, lower productivity, and costly turnover. Exhausted employees are 2.6x more likely to leave. Burnout feels inevitable in some companies or roles. Burnout doesn’t have to be the word that comes to mind when employees talk about work. With the right support, teams can build resilience, the ability to bounce back from challenges and thrive through change.

## Key takeaways

* Exhausted employees are 2.6x more likely to leave.
* Burnout is more than just feeling tired.
* Burnout feels inevitable in some companies or roles.
* Burnout doesn’t have to be the word that comes to mind when employees talk about work.
* Let’s break down what burnout looks like, why it matters, and how you can help your team build lasting resilience.

## Burnout is real—and it's costing your business

Burnout isn’t just a trending topic. It’s a workplace crisis with serious consequences. In fact, research from iSolved shows that [65% of US employees experienced burnout in 2023](https://www.isolvedhcm.com/resource-center/collateral/uncovering-the-significant-hr-trends-of-2024)—leading to increased sick days, lower productivity, and costly turnover.

Let’s break down what burnout looks like, why it matters, and how you can help your team build lasting resilience.

## What is burnout?

Burnout is more than just feeling tired. It’s prolonged emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by sustained stress—often showing up as disengagement, cynicism, or a sense of helplessness.

**Common causes include:**

* Overload: Unrealistic workloads or expectations
* Lack of control: Employees feeling powerless in their roles
* Unclear goals: Ambiguity around responsibilities or priorities
* Toxic culture: Environments that prioritize output over wellbeing
* Poor boundaries: Little separation between work and personal time

65% of U.S. employees experienced burnout in 2023

## The business impact:

* [Higher health risks](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/burnout-vs-depression): Anxiety, depression, and illness increase
* [Reduced productivity](https://www.apa.org/topics/healthy-workplaces/workplace-burnout): Burnt-out employees get less done
* [More turnover](https://www.gallup.com/workplace/288539/employee-burnout-biggest-myth.aspx): Exhausted employees are 2.6x more likely to leave

## How to prevent burnout: 4 practical tips

Burnout feels inevitable in some companies or roles. With the right support, teams can [build resilience](https://www.go1.com/playlist/become-more-resilient/28473760)—the ability to bounce back from challenges and thrive through change.

### 1\. Support stress management

* Encourage walking meetings and offer subsidized fitness perks
* Provide access to counseling or Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
* If employees are really struggling, talk to your execs about offering an extra day off

### 2\. Prioritize time management

* Teach practical skills like time-blocking and prioritization
* Support micro-breaks or create unplug zones, especially for hourly teams
* Embrace flexible work hours when possible—outcomes matter more than hours

Exhausted employees are 2.6x more likely to leave

### 3\. Encourage work-life balance

* Set the tone: Discourage after-hours emails, even with leadership
* Normalize PTO use—vacation boosts mental health and recovery
* Propose “no meeting” days to support deep work and give everyone a video-call break

### 4\. Build a psychologically safe workplace 

* Create safe spaces for open feedback and honest conversations
* Celebrate even the smallest team wins and show appreciation regularly
* Offer emotional intelligence and resilience training and coaching
* Host team-building events—even in remote or hybrid settings

### Resilience starts right here

Burnout doesn’t have to be the word that comes to mind when employees talk about work. By taking small, intentional steps, you can support your team’s wellbeing while building a workplace where people thrive.

## Don't tackle this alone

Our curated playlists cover burnout prevention, mental wellness, time management, and more.

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