How to Recognise and Overcome Burnout at Work: Strategies for Women

Women of our Time
Jul 3
3 min read

Are You Running on Fumes? Let's Talk Burnout!

Ever feel like you’re constantly juggling flaming chainsaws while simultaneously trying to bake a perfect soufflé and answer emails with your toes? Welcome to the unofficial sport of being a working woman! But when that feeling shifts from busy to utterly, relentlessly depleted, you might be flirting with burnout. At Women of Our Time (WOOT), we know this isn't just about 'being tired' – it's a serious alarm bell.

Why Burnout's Got a Bullseye on Women's Backs

Women often bear the brunt of mental load, both at work and home, leading to a constant state of 'on-duty'. We're less likely to delegate, more likely to pick up emotional labour, and often feel immense pressure to be 'perfect' (hello, Perfectionism blog!). This relentless pursuit of 'having it all' without adequate support is a fast track to exhaustion.

Stark Fact: Nearly 1 in 4 working women in the UK feel unable to manage stress and pressure at work, with only 44% confident that their employer has a plan in place to prevent burnout. (Mental Health UK)

Spotting the Smoke Signals: Are You Burnt Out?

Burnout isn't just physical tiredness. Look out for:

Exhaustion (that sleep doesn't fix): You're constantly drained, physically and emotionally.
Cynicism & Detachment: Feeling cynical about your job, disconnected from colleagues, or losing interest in things you once enjoyed.
Ineffectiveness: Feeling less competent or less productive, even when you're working harder.

Your Burnout Busting Toolkit: Time to Reclaim Your Spark

Acknowledge It (No Shame!):

The first step is admitting you're struggling. It's not a weakness; it's a sign you've been working too hard.

Set Ferocious Boundaries:

Learn to say 'no' (revisit that blog!). Protect your non-work time like it's gold. Disconnect from emails, say no to extra tasks if your plate is full.

Prioritise Genuine Self-Care:

Beyond bubble baths! What truly recharges you? A walk, a hobby, quiet time? Schedule it, fiercely.

Delegate (Seriously!):

You don't have to do it all. Empower your team (or family!) to take on tasks. Imperfect delegation is better than perfect exhaustion.

Seek Support:

Talk to your manager, HR, a mentor, or a coach. You don't have to carry this alone.

A Final Thought:

Burnout is a siren call for change. It's your body and mind telling you that something needs to shift. Listening to it isn't quitting; it's an act of powerful self-preservation and the ultimate strategy for long-term thriving. Don't just survive; ignite your spark again.

How We Can Help

At WOOT, we believe in equipping you—the individual—to resolve the problem, challenge, or opportunity in front of you. We’re here to help you make a difference in your own world, starting with what’s within your circle of control.

While our research aims to inform long-term solutions and drive systemic change, we know that changing the system will take time. That’s why we’re focused on creating a movement within each of us—empowering women to take action, build resilience, and thrive right now.

Here’s how you can take the first step:

Book a 1:1 Session: Get personalised advice and support tailored to your specific situation.
Sign Up for a Workshop: Join our heavily discounted workshops on topics like confidence building, leadership, and more.
Join Our Research Project: Share your story and help us shape the future for women in the workplace.
Check out our shop: for other resources that might help and our podcasts for other women's stories.