Recognising and Addressing Professional Burnout in Career Women.

In the fast-paced world of leadership, many professional women find themselves facing an invisible challenge: professional burnout. While often overlooked, burnout can have profound effects not only on your performance at work but also on your mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Recognising the signs early and taking proactive steps is crucial — not only for your career but for your overall quality of life.

Burnout IS reversible....read on...

What is Professional Burnout?

Burnout is defined by the World Health Organisation as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is characterised by three dimensions: feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion, increased mental distance from one’s job or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one's job, and reduced professional efficacy.

According to a 2022 study by Mental Health UK, 1 in 5 UK workers feels unable to manage pressure and stress in the workplace effectively, with senior-level women at particular risk due to the competing demands of leadership responsibilities, workplace politics, and often unseen emotional labour (Mental Health UK, 2022).

For many women at leader levels, the expectation to deliver outstanding results, be emotionally available for teams, and simultaneously juggle family and personal life can lead to an unsustainable cycle of overwork and self-neglect.

Recognising the Early Signs

Burnout rarely happens overnight. It is the result of prolonged stress that builds gradually. Spotting the early signs can make a significant difference in reversing the trajectory before it becomes a deeper issue. Look out for:

• Physical Symptoms: Chronic fatigue, insomnia, frequent headaches, or lowered immunity.

• Emotional Symptoms: Irritability, anxiety, feelings of helplessness, or a sense of detachment from work.

• Behavioural Changes: Decreased productivity, procrastination, withdrawing from responsibilities, or increased absenteeism.

Women often internalise these warning signs, attributing them to personal failure rather than recognising them as signals that their environment and circumstances may need to change.

Why Professional Women are Particularly Vulnerable

Women in leadership positions often carry an invisible weight: the need to prove their value in traditionally male-dominated environments. Research by The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) in their 2023 Health and Wellbeing at Work report highlights that women are more likely to experience imposter syndrome, face microaggressions, and bear the brunt of 'emotional labour' — the expectation to be constantly supportive and nurturing in the workplace (CIPD, 2023).

Additionally, midlife can bring unique personal transitions, including menopause, ageing parents, and changing family dynamics, which add further layers of complexity to already demanding professional lives. These pressures can result in a 'perfect storm' for burnout if left unaddressed.

How to Address Professional Burnout

The good news is that burnout is reversible. By taking conscious steps towards self-awareness, boundary setting, and prioritising wellbeing, professional women can not only recover but also thrive.

1. Reassess Priorities

Take a step back and reassess what truly matters to you — both professionally and personally. Is the pace you're operating at sustainable? Are there tasks or commitments that no longer align with your goals or values?

Consider conducting a 'life audit' every six months to evaluate different areas of your life and career. This simple practice can help identify areas that need adjustment before stress escalates into burnout.

2. Set Boundaries — and Stick to Them

Leadership roles often come with the expectation of being 'always available'. However, setting clear boundaries around work hours, availability, and personal time is critical. Communicate your limits clearly and model healthy work habits for your teams.

Incorporating simple habits such as turning off email notifications after hours, scheduling 'focus time' in your calendar, and being unapologetic about your need for rest can transform your experience of work.

3. Seek Professional Support

Working with a career coach or therapist can provide valuable perspective and tailored strategies to manage stress effectively. Professional support helps dismantle the myth that asking for help is a sign of weakness; instead, it signals self-awareness and resilience.

Organisations such as The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) offer directories for finding accredited professionals in the UK who specialise in workplace stress and career transitions (BACP, 2024).

4. Prioritise Wellbeing as a Leadership Practice

Self-care is not an indulgence; it is an essential leadership tool. Make time for activities that nourish your body and mind — whether that’s regular exercise, mindfulness practices, or creative pursuits. Encourage open conversations about mental health in your teams, and normalise taking breaks and using mental health days.

Embedding wellbeing into your leadership style creates a ripple effect, promoting healthier work cultures for everyone.

5. Consider a Career Pivot

Sometimes burnout signals a deeper misalignment between your values and your current role or industry. If you find that, even with adjustments, your work is draining rather than energising, it might be time to explore new career paths that better align with your passions and strengths.

Working with a coach can help uncover possibilities you might not have considered, whether that's moving into consultancy, starting your own venture, or shifting to a role with a stronger social impact.

A Collective Responsibility

While much of the advice around burnout focuses on individual action, it's important to remember that organisations have a collective responsibility to create environments where professional women can thrive without sacrificing their health.

Advocating for better organisational policies — such as flexible working, menopause support programmes, and mental health initiatives — can benefit not just individual women, but entire workplaces.

Conclusion

Professional burnout is not a sign of failure; it is a signal that something needs to change. By recognising the early signs, setting boundaries, seeking support, and re-aligning with your values, it is entirely possible to recover, recalibrate, and continue leading with strength and authenticity.

Your wellbeing is your most important professional asset. Protect it fiercely.

#WomenInLeadership, #CareerWellbeing, #BurnoutAwareness, #ExecutiveCoaching, #WellbeingAtWork, #MidlifeCareerSupport, #WomenSupportingWomen, #PauseAndEmpower

References:

• Mental Health UK (2022). Burnout Report: The Growing Crisis in the Workplace. Available at: https://mentalhealth-uk.org

• Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) (2023). Health and Wellbeing at Work Report. Available at: https://www.cipd.co.uk/knowledge/culture/well-being/health-well-being-work

• British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) (2024). Find a Therapist. Available at: https://www.bacp.co.uk