Burnout is one of the single biggest threats in the modern workplace. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness’ 2024 Workplace Mental Health Survey, over half of employees reported feeling burned out in the past year and 37% said they were so overwhelmed it was hard to do their job. Reports from earlier this year even estimated that up to 82% of employees were at risk for burning out this year.
Some employers are in denial – they have yet to acknowledge that burnout is impacting the way their employees do their jobs and, ultimately, their company’s productivity and ROI. Others are simply not doing enough to intervene before burnout gets out of hand. And this isn’t entirely their fault… time and again we see new tools touted as quick health & wellbeing fixes (more thoughts from us on that here) so while these same employers might think they’re providing supportive tools, they’re not actually offering benefits that move the needle.
REAL health coaching is one of the single most effective ways to intervene before burnout spirals out of control and mitigate risk factors for burnout in the first place. Today’s blog takes a closer look at how working with a REAL health coach makes this possible.
Active Listening to Identify Internal & External Risks
Health coaches are masters at actively listening to help clients discover truths about their reality that might be difficult to identify otherwise (for a variety of reasons). This technique requires health coaches ask purposeful questions, reflect on clients’ answers, and take notes that inform thoughtful insights. This is when health coaches might identify burnout risks before they become an issue and take stock of the causes of burnout once it becomes unmanageable.
For example, through active listening, a health coach might uncover that the client’s overwhelming to-do list is a symptom of poor time management, taking on too much responsibility, or neglecting self-care. By asking meaningful questions and reflecting on the client’s responses, the coach can help the client identify these underlying issues, which are often the root causes of burnout. This cyclical pattern of stress and exhaustion is a classic precursor to burnout, and it’s an opportunity for health coaches to intervene with lifestyle changes that promote resilience and well-being.
Motivational Interviewing for Positive, Anti-Burnout Lifestyle Shifts
Once health coaches see their clients are at risk for burnout, then the real work begins! Among their many science-backed methodologies YourCoach coaches use, motivational interviewing is a highly effective strategy to tap into a clients’ motivation to change. In someone suffering from burnout, these changes could range from setting more defined work-life boundaries to creating a process for delegating what you can to creating a new routine that actually mitigates overwhelm in other areas of their life while they heal from the effects of burnout.
Through motivational interviewing, a health coach might help the client explore their values and goals, and identify the disconnect between their current lifestyle and their desired future. By helping the client tap into their intrinsic motivation, the coach can support them in making positive changes to their lifestyle and daily routine. This collaborative approach builds a meaningful partnership between the client and the coach – the sort of support system that’s most necessary during burnout – and also generates self-compassion. This approach not only promotes sustainable behavior change but also enhances the client’s sense of autonomy and control over their wellbeing. It also better equips individuals to foster resilience and prevent burnout from reoccurring in the future.
Positive Psychology to Protect Mental Health Through Burnout
It’s no secret that burnout has a massive impact on mental health. Health coaches provide non-clinical mental health support that’s a huge help for individuals struggling with burnout or healing from burnout. Positive psychology techniques can both be preventative and therapeutic when it comes to burnout.
For some, this might mean working with a health coach to identify, appreciate and utilize their strengths (a strengths-based approach) when tackling day-to-day tasks. This might mean tapping into gratitude and positive reflection to shift focus away from stressors and toward moments of joy and accomplishment. YourCoach coaches provide a successful framework for leveraging positive psychology to address burnout by focusing on cultivating positive emotions, building resilience, and fostering a sense of meaning and purpose.
We’ve been steadily providing employees access to REAL health coaching through dedicated, live coaches through our Industry Partnerships – many of whom were able to uncover burnout relief through their personalized health coaching programs.
Investing in employee wellbeing through health coaching can lead to increased productivity, improved employee retention, and a healthier workforce. But don’t just take it from us – listen to what our clients are saying about working with a REAL health coach:
“I was on the verge of quitting my job. I was working crazy hours, feeling burnt out all the time, and just couldn’t shake this overwhelming sense of dread. That’s when I decided to try health coaching. My coach has been amazing. They helped me figure out why I was feeling so stressed, set some boundaries, and taught me how to manage my stress in a healthy way. I feel so much better now. I’m still working hard, but I’m not feeling as overwhelmed, and I actually enjoy my job again.”
“Before coaching, I felt overwhelmed and lost trying to juggle my demanding job with raising three young children. I was constantly feeling stressed, exhausted, and guilty for not being fully present in either role. I was burned out. My coach helped me develop a personalized plan to manage my time more effectively, set boundaries between work and home, and prioritize self-care. It’s a huge relief to know that I have a clear path forward. I’ve already made significant progress in the past few months, and I feel more balanced and energized.”
If you’re an employer who’s looking to provide your workforce with better burnout resources through REAL health coaching, the kind that moves the needle and makes an impact, send us a note to team@yourcoach.health.