Burnout and fatigue in the workplace

Understand how to identify and manage burnout and fatigue in the workplace. Explore steps employers can take to improve wellbeing and productivity.

What employers can do

Support open conversations

Train managers to talk about workload, stress and wellbeing in regular 1-to-1s.

Promote flexible working

Help staff adjust working hours or locations to support recovery and balance.

Find out more about flexible working.

Recognise effort and success

Appreciate staff contributions – this boosts morale and motivation.

Provide wellbeing resources

Signpost to mental health support like the In-Work Support Service, EAPs, stress workshops or charities like Mind.

Encourage employees to create a personalised Mind Plan by taking this short quiz on the NHS Better Health website.

Encourage regular breaks

Support employees to take lunch away from desks and use annual leave.

Develop a culture of trust

Empower teams to manage their work and raise concerns early.

Run awareness campaigns

Take part in national campaigns like Mental Health Awareness Week.

Offer self-assessment tools

Provide links to self-assessment tools for staff to assess if they are experiencing burnout, and if so, at what level.

Self-assessment tools that you can share with employees include:

Please note: These are for the purposes of self-assessment and are not diagnostic tests.

Page last reviewed: 8th August 2025