How Managers Can Deal With Burnout and Regain Job Satisfaction

Managers often have to deal with burnout due to their high levels of responsibility and constant pressure to perform. As the backbone of teams, managers juggle a wide array of tasks, from overseeing operations to supporting team members, while frequently being the bridge between upper management and employees. This demanding role can lead to exhaustion and stress, ultimately impairing their performance. When a manager’s effectiveness diminishes, the ripple effect can be felt across the entire team. Poor decision-making, communication breakdowns, and lowered morale are just a few consequences of a manager struggling with burnout. As the team’s leader, their well-being directly influences the productivity and harmony of the group. If they are not at their best, it becomes difficult for the team to maintain its usual efficiency, resulting in a disrupted work environment and a decrease in overall performance. Hence, this Havard Business Review podcast discusses effective strategies for managers to deal with burnout and rediscover their job satisfaction. 

According to the episode, being a manager involves significant responsibilities like handling tasks, managing interpersonal dynamics, and keeping team morale high. The episode suggests that it is a common issue for managers to deal with burnout, which can impact their teams. To combat this, the episode encourages managers to rediscover joy in their work by fostering meaningful connections and focusing on purpose. According to the episode, joy at work is tied to inclusivity, recognition, and personal fulfillment. The episode suggests finding one’s “why” to stay motivated and embrace a beginner’s mindset to foster creativity. Moreover, the episode emphasizes the importance of gratitude and positivity in leadership to create a supportive and resilient team environment.

Burnout and loss of job satisfaction pose a significant risk not just to managers, but to the entire team. Hence, the preceding text highlights what managers can do in case of suffering through a situation where they have to deal with burnout to regain their joy at work.