3 ways to fight burnout as a manager

Learn 3 ways you can fight burnout as a manager including setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and fostering a supportive work environment so that you're better equipped to manage stress and lead your team effectively.

Rachel Fukaya
Director of Communications
August 21, 2024

We’re in the thick of it now — the manager’s dilemma: you’re tasked with leading a team, hitting targets, and keeping everything on track—all while trying to maintain your peace. The grind is real, and burnout is lurking around every corner. But fear not, brave manager! We’ve got your back with this handy checklist of three ways to fight burnout.

1. Set Boundaries Like a Pro
Burnout often creeps in when work starts seeping into personal time. To keep burnout at bay, set clear boundaries between work and life. Here’s how:

• Define Work Hours: Stick to a regular schedule and resist the urge to check emails after hours (lead by example for your team).
• Communicate Boundaries: Let your team know when you’re available and when you’re off the clock.
• Use Tools Wisely: Leverage technology to automate routine tasks and reduce workload.

2. Prioritize Self-Care
Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. To be an effective manager, you need to be at your best. Here’s your self-care game plan:

• Schedule Breaks: Take short breaks throughout the day to recharge.
• Exercise Regularly: Move your body to boost endorphins and reduce stress.
• Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate meditation or deep breathing into your routine.

3. Foster a Supportive Work Environment
Creating a positive work culture not only helps your team, it also contributes to your well-being.

Here’s how to build a supportive environment:

• Encourage Open Communication: Foster an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing concerns.
• Celebrate Wins: Recognize and celebrate both small and big wins.
• Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage your team to set boundaries and prioritize self-care, and lead by example too.

Burnout is real, and many managers are on the brink of it. The good news is - it’s something you can tackle with the right strategies in place. By setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and fostering a supportive work environment, you’ll be better equipped to manage stress and lead your team effectively.

TLDR; Here’s a downloadable checklist to get started on, to avoid burnout.

And remember, Textio is here to help you do less and achieve more, so you can focus on what matters most: your well-being and your team’s success.